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THE 



ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL: 



ILLUSTRATING THE 



BISTORY, PRINCIPLES, AND GOVERNMENT OF THE ORDER, 

AND THE INSTRUCTIONS AND DUTIES OF EVERY 

DEGREE, STATION, AND OFFICE 



^-lellu^lf ; 



WITH 

DIRECTIONS FOR LAYING CORNER-STONES; DEDICATING CEMETERIES, 
CHAPELS, HALLS, AND OTHER PUBLIC EDIFICES; MARSHAL- 
LING FUNERAL AND OTHER PROCESSIONS; FORMS 
FOR PETITIONS, REPORTS, ETC. 

ALSO, 

<©toa, tottf) Mum, fox Umow (©ccastows. 

EMBELLISHED WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS OF THE EMBLEMS, ETC 

BY 

Rev. AARON B. GROSH, 

P. 0. IN LODGE NO. 164, AND P. C. P. IN ENCAMPMENT NO. 17 OF NORTHERN NEW YORK I 
LATE G. CONDUCTOR IN THE R. W. GRAND LODGE OF PENNA. AND 
P. D. D. G. PATRIARCH OF THE R. W. GRAND ENCAMP- 
MENT OF PENNA., BERKS DISTRICT. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
H. C. PECK & THEO. BLISS. 

1858. 



OFFICE OF THE GRAND MASTER, R. W. GRAND LODGE OF NORTH. N. YORK, 

Citt of Utica, July 31st, 1852, 
To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting : 
Sstnofco ge, That, reposing special confidence in the ability, discretion, and integrity 
of our well-beloved brother, P. G. Aaron B. Grosh, we do hereby grant him our per- 
mission to publish a book he has written and entitled the " Odd-Fellow's Manual ;" 
being confident he would publish nothing therein contrary to the laws and usages of 
the Orler, derogatory to its dignity, or subversive of its welfare. 
la w itness whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and the Seal of the Grand 
Lodge of Northern New York, the day and year first above written. 

(Signed,) DEXTER GILLMOKE, 

Grand Master. 



VW 



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:■•■ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, by 

H. C. PECK & THEO. BLISS, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 

Pennsylvania. 



8TERE0TYPED BY L. JOHNSON & CO. 
PHILADELPHIA. 



PRINTED BY C. SHERMAW. 



TO 



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ft$i a^pd ^sfei- of % ^ dJU. filr^nd JLodge of ifee 

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pireseiifyfibe flrofo) ii?e s^h)e lo fije ^. dJU. 

GUr^d JloDcje of fye tailed §fyfes. 

©)&CUt/ SPl/4, CUVO SBtot&fct; C 

eJ fvu> b-o-o-K/ o-iu-ea &o nvu/efv bo u-o-ivt y'tieno-iw cuvo cuvo 
co-ii/iv^eD, bfvctt u*> &-eenv5 bo oiauiv cv d-eo-i/OO/bto-n/ bo wo-w. eJ Ho 

tiriovbeln/i/biu it/O-u/ tvct/oe &c lv\,owi/baMiv fceWeo uv t>a<tMHU> ollvaei>, cuvo 
lovbtv &o nvih&vv cJb-vivbiv : zeal, cuvo coivibeivb, keenv bo cu>K/ it alw). 
QnDivo m/ii/ o-umv tveaA/b, IvKecuveo cob btve ojvJvo-Vbiuvi/biv po-'t/ blviv& c\e- 
ouviLiva- mil/ tvLO/lv esteem, cuvo alpecbKMv pert, ipo-u, cw> a, nvouv — cutv 
VJo-o- dreLXo-uv — a, Hofvlv&vwuv, uv [vUinvbe cub uv Ivivb-li/O iLpe, Vea-jvo-ivoj) 
be bfve viMylvce, op live, vucuunv. O) blveleloie a-iatvpii, cwv tvotveft-b IvUcVa 
Ut> cVeai/Catuvq, vt bo tpcvu,, cuvo uv btvivb tvivuli/cUp &u,l>kciu>utcp m,ip;>eLp, 
^UeUi, cvlabeuttui/, 

^Lp-ouA, nvivotv 0-u-ii/O/eo 

t^ttren/o cuvo ^JWbtve'i,, 

9W <5PtVuv, oN\ <W., #uve, ^52. 



ENDORSEMENT OF THE MANUAL 

BY THE GRAND REPRESENTATIVES, OF THE SESSION SEPTEMBER, 1851 



The undersigned members of the Grand Lodge of the United States at its Annual Ses- 
sion, 1852, hereby recommend to the brethren at large, the Manual of Odd-Fellowship of 
Bro. P. G. A. B. Grosh, as a complete and faithful history of the Principles, Instructions, 
Work, and Organization of the order. It is full and accurate in its details, harmonious 
in conception and execution, and its instructions may be confidently relied upon as 
correct. It is a work that should be in the hands of every brother desirous of having 
an intelligent comprehension of Odd-Fellowship. 

Maine,. New Jersey. 

WM. R. SMITH, F. D. MULFORD, 

C. C. HARMAN. JAMES M. CASSADT. 



New Hampshire. 
TIMO. G. SENTER, 
STEPHEN H. SLMES, 
J. C. LYFORD. 

Vermont. 
CHAS. W. BRADBURY, 
ALBERT TINGBURY. 

Massachusetts. 
WM. ELLISON, 
W. H. JONES, 
JOSEPH L. DREW, 
JOHN R. MULLIN. 

Rhode Island. 
JAMES WOOD, 
H. A. MANCHESTER, 
WILLIAM HICKS. 

Connecticut. 
CHOLWELL J. GRUMAN, 
SAMUEL LYNES, 
LLOYD E. BALDWIN. 

New York. 
EDGAR C. DIBBLE, 
JAS. P. SANDERS, 
DANIEL BARNARD, 
R. F. RUSSELL, 
ANDRE FROMENT. 



Pennsylvania. 
J. ALEXANDER SIMPSON, 
GEORGE SLIGO, 
JAS. B. RUPLE, 
HENRY FRANCIS ANNERS. 

Maryland. 
JOSHUA VANSANT, 
B. F. ZIMMERMAN. 

District of Columbia. 
W. B. MAGRUDER. 

Virginia. 
EDWARD P. HUNTER, 
ISRAEL ROBINSON, 
E. C. ROBINSON. 

North Carolina. 
JOHNSTON BLAKELEY NEWBY, 
T. H. HARDENBERGH, 
WALTER L. STEELE. 

South Carolina. 
R. W. SEYMOUR, 
JOHN A. GYLES. 

Georgia. 
EDWARD S. KEMPTON, 
LUTHER J. GLENN. 



ENDORSEMENT OF THE MANUAL. 



Alabama. 
WM. E. JENNINGS, 
C. R. HANSFORD, 
N. G. SHELLY. 

Mississippi. 
WILLIAM CRUTCHER, 
AUGST. FOUT. 

Louisiana. 
G. W. RACE, 
J. CRICKARD. 
Ohio. 
NELSON HAYWARD, 
WM. CHTDSEY. 

Kentucky. 
WM. MATHEW, 
I. D. WILLIAMSON 

Tennessee. 
ELIJAH MORTON, 
THO. T. SMILEY, 
WILLIAM S. MUNDAY 



Indiana. 
OLIVER DUFOUR, 
P. A. HACKLE MAN. 

Illinois. 
WM. ROUNSEVILLE, 
JOHN G. POTTS. 

Missouri. 
CLARK H. GREEN, 
JOHN SIBBY, 
W. H. REMINGTON. 

Arkansas. 
P. NORMAN. 



E. P. HUNT. 

Iowa. 
W. D. McCORD. 



THOMAS WILDEY, P. G. Sire. 

JOHN SESSFORD, Jr., Grand Marshal. 

GEO. S. MORRIS, P. G. M. of Pa. 

WM. H. WITTE, P. G. M. of Pa. 

W. G. WILLIAMS, Grand Master of Ohio. 

I have eritically examined the Odd-Fellow's Manual prepared by Bro.Grosh, and 
ftm happy to say that it meets my approval, and would cheerfully recommend it to tho 
Brethren of the Order. J. M. WILLEY, P. G. M. of Connecticut, 

and G. Chaplain of Grand Lodge U. S. 

It affords me pleasure to say I believe it to be by far the best work on Odd-Fellow- 
ship ever published. Every Odd-Fellow who takes any interest in the Order should 
have a copy. I will aid in its sale to the utmost of my ability, being confident that 
every one who purchases a copy will be benefited thereby. 

ALEX. E. GLENN, G. Sec. of Ohio. 



We have examined with much gratification the " Odd-Fellow's Manual," prepared 
by Bro. A. B. Grosh, and confidently recommend it to the brethren as a work well 
calculated to "enlist their attention, and at the same time guide them to the truths 
Which are inculcated by the principles of our Order. 

WM. CURTIS, Grand Secretary G. L. of Pa. 

WM. ENGLISH, P. G. No. 154. 



PREFACE. 



A few remarks will inform the reader why I prepared this 
book, and what were my supposed qualifications for the work. 

I was initiated in Oneida Lodge, No. 70, at Utica, N. Y., 
September 8th, 1842. The nearest Lodge, on the one hand, 
was at Rochester — on the other, at Schenectady. Few of the 
members knew much more of the principles, usages, and work- 
ings of the Order at large than myself. Periodicals and other 
publications of the Order were almost unknown among us. 
The Lodge itself was a new one. As I had ever been every- 
body's clerk, I was often consulted in various difficulties, and 
called on for aid with my pen on matters quite beyond my 
depth. Often and sadly, as I passed onward through the de- 
grees, and through the chairs, did I feel the need of such a 
Manual as that I now present to my brethren of the Order. 

Twice I named the preparation of a Manual to my friend, 
Rev. E. H. Chapin, (then, or shortly after,) the G-rand Master 
of the R. "W. Gr. L. of Massachusetts. Other more pressing 
matters prevented his engaging in it. I named it afterward 
to other able brethren, but also without effect. 

As years rolled over me, my station being among the work* 
ing men of the bodies to which I was attached, I gained expe- 
rience and found able counsellors, and from time to time fur- 
6 



PREFACE. 



nished such items as I deemed useful to the fraternity for pub- 
lication in the " Golden Rule/ 7 the " Covenant," and the 
"Ark." As these were generally copied by other papers, 
sometimes with commendation, even when their author was 
unknown, I supposed them approved. 

Thus gathering experience and materials, with no particular 
view to making a book, I was urged by several distinguished 
brethren to prepare a full and complete Manual for the Order. 
I have done what I could to gratify their wishes. 

The First Part is for the general reader. Yet it may furnish 
needed information for not a few members of the Order. 

The Second Part is for Odd-Fellows only. Yet those out 
of the Order may there learn what we are obligated to perform, 
and may, perhaps, read a page of duty to guide themselves. 

The Third Part contains ceremonials for all public occasions 
of the Order, with suitable brief Addresses, Invocations, 
Prayers, Responses, &c, which may be interesting, perhaps 
even profitable, to all. 

Appendix A and B contain Odes and Music for various 
occasions, and blank Forms prescribed by our Grand Bodies, 
besides others, which are. useful in the transaction of the bu- 
siness of our Order. 

The whole is arranged so as to commence with the inquirer 
merely, and proceeds, in regular succession, to instruct and 
direct all in their duties as Odd-Fellows, and Committee-men, 
and Officers, from the initiate up to the highest degree and 
highest office in the Order. 

In all this I have not wrought alone. Professor Patterson 
has so materially assisted me in the preparation of the vari* 



« PREFACE. 



cms ceremonials, that the credit of this portion of the work is 
in a measure due to him. He has, moreover, carefully ex- 
amined and approved the entire work. To William Curtis, 
Esq., for many years the well-known, efficient Grand Secretary 
and Grand Scribe of the R. W. G-. L. and G-. E. of Pennsylva- 
nia, I am also indebted for judicious counsel and criticism in pre- 
paring the work. To several others I owe gratitude for kind 
suggestions; and I have freely copied not a few extracts from the 
essays of my colaborers in our periodicals. But the written 
as well as the unwritten work of the Order I have considered 
sacred from revelation. A few quotations it has made from 
prior sources, I have felt at liberty to use from the same foun- 
tains ; also a few phrases which, by frequent quotation in ora- 
tions, &c. ; have become common property. But beyond this I 
have not advanced. Yet every doctrine, principle, and precept 
it enjoins will be found here in regular order, mingled with a 
few additional remarks of my own, where I deemed them pe- 
culiarly appropriate. 

The Publishers, as will be seen, have spared no pains or 
expense to clothe and present the work in beauty and grace. 
Mr. Croome, the distinguished designer and engraver, has 
exceeded his former efforts in this line. And the results of 
all these combined cares and labours form this book. It is 
thus respectfully submitted to our noble, benevolent, and dis- 
criminating Fraternity, to test its value, and measure out to it 
the share of approval it merits. 

A. B. GROSH, 

Fort Plain, N. Y., June, 1852. 



CONTENTS. 



PART FIRST. 

MATTERS EXTERNAL TO THE ORDER. 

PAGI 

Chapter I. — History of the Order 13 

Origin and uses of Secret Societies — Antiquity of our Order — Origin in 
Great Britain— Convivial Practices— The Independent Order — Origin in 
the United States— The Order under the Grand Lodge of the United States. 

Cka pter II. — Objections and Inquiries Answered 52 

Our Name — Obligations and Penalties — Regalia, Emblems, &c. — Expense 
of Regalia — Our Secrecy — Exclusiveness — Exclusion of the Poor, &c. — 
Our Benefactions are General — Interference with other Institutions. 

Chapter III. — Our Government, Principles, &c 70 

Our Government — Principles — Objects — Measures and Operations — The 
Duties of Odd-Fellowship— Privileges of Odd-Fellows. 

Chapter I Y. — Application and Admission 88 

Proposition — The Admission. 

PART SECOND. 

MATTERS INTERNAL TO THE ORDER. 
Chapter I. — On Initiations in General 92 

The Lodge, from the German, (Poetry.) 

Chapter II. — Of Initiation 97 

The Initiation— Regalia— Emblems— Conduct of a New Member. 

Chapter III. — Of the First, or White Degree 112 

Introduction — Regalia — Color — Emblems. 

Chapter IV. — Of the Second, or Covenant Degree 120 

Introduction— Scripture Lesson— Regalia— Color— Emblems. 

9 



10 CONTENTS. 



PAtfJS 

Chapter V. — Of the Third, or Royal Blue Degree 137 

Introduction— Regalia— Color— Emblems — Concluding Remarks— Verses 
by Hampson. 

Chapter VI. — Of the Fourth, or Remembrance Degree 146 

Introductory — Abou Ben Adbem, (Poetry) — Scripture Lesson — Regalia — 
Color — Emblems — Additional Remarks on Memory. 

Chapter VII.— Of the Fifth, or Scarlet Degree 159 

Introductory — Colors of tbe Degrees — Emblems of the Degrees — Regalia 
— Friendship, Love, and Truth, (Poetry.) 

Chapter VIII.— Of the Degree of RebeJcah 170 

Introductory (to Ladies)— Do. (to tbe Degree) — Colors, Regalia, and Em- 
blems. 

Chapter IX. — Of the Subordinate Lodge 179 

How Commenced — Tbe Petition — Preparations for Institution — First Busi- 
ness Meeting — Increase of Members — Opening Lodge — Working, with 
Order of Business — Closing Lodge — Work out of Lodge. 

Chapter X. — Duties and Deportment of Odd-Fellows 195 

Lodge Attendance — Payment of Dues — Conduct in Debate — Gentlemanly 
Deportment — Correctness in Working — Voting and Balloting — Duties to 
Self, Family, and Others. 

Chapter XI. — Of Committees and Committee-Men 208 

General Duties of Committee-men — Investigating Committee — Finance 
Committee — Auditing Committee — Trustees and Curators — Charges and 
Trials — Relief Committee and Watchers. 

Chapter XII. — Of the Appointed Officers 224 

Chaplain — R. and L. Scene Supporters— R. and L. Supporters of the V. G. 
— Do. of the 1S T . G. — I. and 0. Guardians — Conductor — Wardens. 

Chapter XIII.— Of the Elective Officers., 231 

Treasurer — Permanent Secretary— Recording Secretary — Vice Grand — 
Noble Grand— Sitting Past Grand— Rules of Order and Debate — Use of 
the Gavel. 

Chapter XIV. — Of Degree Lodges, Committees, and their 

Officers 253 

Constitutions— Conferring Degrees— Officers and their Duties. 



CONTENTS. 1J 



PAGB 

Chapter XV.— Of Past Official Degrees 257 

Past Secretary — Past Vice Grand — Past Noble Grand — For what, and by 
whom, conferred. 

Chapter XVI. — Of Subordinate Encampments 260 

How Commenced and Instituted— Opening, Working, Closing— Applica- 
tion and Admission — Committees and Appointed Officers — Elective Officers 
— Conferring the Degrees. 

Chapter XVII. — Of the Patriarchal Degree 271 

Introduction — The Ten Commandments — Emblems— Concluding Re- 
marks. 

Chapter XVIII.— Of the Golden-Rule Degree 279 

Introduction— Parable against Persecution— Note on Originals of said 
Parable, and the Parsee, the Jew, and the Christian — Emblems. 



Chapter XIX. — Of the Royal Purple Degree 291 

Review of the Eight Degrees— Introduction to the R. P. D. — Scripture 
Lesson — Emblems — Pilgrimage of Life, (Poetry.) 

Chapter XX. — Of Grand Encampments 303 

How Commenced and Constituted — The G. E. Degree — Members, Repre- 
sentatives, and Committees — Appointed and Elective Officers. 

Chapter XXI. — Of State Grand Lodges 312 

How Commenced and Constituted — Tbe Grand Lodge Degree — Members, 
Representatives, and Committees — Appointed and Elective Officers. 

Chapter XXII. — Of Districts, their Committees and Officers... 320 

Dist. Grand Committees — Appeal Committees— D. D. G. Patriarchs— D. D. G. 
Masters — Institutions and Installations — Insubordination and Disorder — 
Reclaiming Charters. 

Chapter XXIII. — Of the Grand Lodge of the United States.... 330 

How Constituted and Supported — Members, Representatives, and Officers 
— Appointed Officers — Elective Officers — Regalia and Jewels. 

Chapter XXIV. — Miscellaneous 337 

Diplomas and Cards — Pass-words— Examination of Visitors. 



12 CONTENTS. 



PART THIRD. 

OF PUBLIC CEREMONIALS OF THE ORDER. 

PAGB 

Chapter I.- - Of Marshalling Processions 341 

Chapter II. — Laying the Corner-stone of an 0. F. Hall 343 

Chapter III. — Laying the Corner-stone of a Church, or other 

Public Edifice 348 

Chapter IV. — Dedication of an 0. F. Hall or Lodge-Room. ...352 

Chapter V. — Dedication of an 0. F. Cemetery or Burial-lot... 360 

Chapter YI. — Funeral Ceremony 365 

APPENDIX A. 

Odes jfor Various Occasions, with Music 369 

APPENDIX B. 

.Formulary, containing Numerous Blank Forms in Daily Use.... 377 



PART FIRST. 

J&zttm (Sitnul in tij* dDrhr. 



CHAPTER I. 

HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

§ 1. Origin and Uses of Secret Societies. 

The earliest records of human history furnish proofs 
of the existence of secret associations among nearly 
all the nations of the earth. They have everywhere 
accompanied, if they have not advanced, civilization, 
and been the conservators, if not the promoters, of 
religious, scientific, and political truth. 

Picture-writing, and afterward hieroglyphics or ab- 
breviated symbols, were at first the only means men 
possessed of recording doctrines or events, or discove- 
ries in science and the arts. And as nearly all learning 
was confined to the priesthood and royal family of each 
nation, these hieroglyphics readily suggested, if they 
did not constitute an exclusive art by which they 
communicated with each other, and handed down to their 
successors those doctrines, discoveries, and state secrets 
which they deemed it improper to disclose to the world. 
Hence in nearly every nation — in Egypt, Assyria, 
Greece, Rome, Gaul, Germany, and Britain — religious 
mysteries were the foundation-doctrines, and the priest- 
hood were the founders of secret societies. Even the 

2 13 



\\ THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



rites of religious worship were, in most cases, but acted 
symbols — speaking of common religious ideas to the 
multitude, but conveying deeper meanings to the ini- 
tiated eye. 

That these early societies were often perverted and 
grossly abused, is readily admitted. But that furnishes 
no argument against their proper use. All associations 
have been corrupted or perverted. Written language 
is abused every day — the tongue itself is an unruly 
member, breathing not only prayers to God, but curses 
on our fellow-man — yet no one, for that alone, would doom 
society to solitude and silence, or abolish pen and press 
forever. 

On the contrary, the vast utility of ancient secret 
associations of priests, philosophers, and patriots in 
advancing religion, conserving literature, art, and 
science, and in ameliorating the condition of states 
and communities, has commended them to the imi- 
tation of the wise and good in all subsequent ages 
of the world. Christianity availed itself of the prin- 
ciple in its early progress. When the iron heel of the 
bigot and tyrant was raised to crush the springing 
germ into the dust, it was removed into privacy and 
was nurtured in secret until the storm was overblown, 
or its strength was increased to endure the tempest. 
Says one, whose opposition to Romanism is undoubted : 
" No instructed man can deny that the Roman Catholic 
Church presents one of the most solemn and majestic 
spectacles in history. The very arguments which are 
employed against its rites, remind us of the mighty 
part which it has played on the theatre of the world. 
For when we say that the ceremonies of its worship, 
the decorations of its altars, and the evolutions of its 
priests, are conceived in the spirit of Heathenism, how 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 15 



can we forget that it was once the witness of ancient 
Paganism, the victor of its decrepit superstitions, the 
rival, yet imitator of its mythology ? When we ask 
the use of the lights that burn during the mass, how 
can we fail to think of the secret worship of the early 
Christians, assembled at dead of night in some vault, 
beyond the eye of observation ? When we wonder at 
the pantomimic character of its services, its long pas- 
sages of gesticulation, are we not carried back to the 
time when the quick ear of the informer and persecutor 
lurked near, and devotion, finding words an unsafe 
vehicle of thought, invented the symbolical language 
which could be read only by the initiated eye?"* That 
which has proved so beneficial, though now it has 
ceased to be appropriate, or been corrupted, may well 
be imitated, and superseded by that wherein is life and 
purity. 

The Albigenses, Waldenses, Cathari and other early 
Reformers, during the long persecutions of the Papacy, 
prior to the Reformation, also found in secret associa- 
tion, remote from the eye of the persecutor, safety in 
worshiping God. And all through the dark night of 
feudal ages, the various mechanic crafts and guilds, 
and other secret associations, kept the feeble light of 
knowledge, virtue, and freedom, glimmering amid the 
surrounding gloom of semi-heathen darkness, until the 
world at large, awakening from its leaden sleep, lit its 
thousand torches at the hardly preserved tapers, and 
threw the blaze of a general revival of religion, letters, 
arts and sciences, once more over our benighted race. 

And since that revival, similar associations have 
aided no less in speeding onward the flood-tide of civili- 

* Martineau's "Rationale of Religious Inquiry," Lecture II. p. 19 



16 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



zation, humanity, and freedom, to its present full- 
flowing progress. The reform that has swept away 
doctrines and institutions of Error and of Wrong, grown 
hoary with ages of general acknowledgment and reve- 
rence, replacing them with the True and the Right, has 
oft been nourished in the silent secrecy of a few chosen 
souls, until it gained strength to go forth boldly and 
grapple successfully with the monster errors and giant 
vices of the age. And the revolution that, in a few 
days, overturned thrones and banished tyrants, re- 
placing the one with better institutions, and giving the 
abused powers of the other into rightful hands, fre- 
quently gathered its earthquake-power in the privacy 
of isolated circles, which met to pray and deliberate for 
their country's welfare, and separated to spread abroad 
the light and strength which Heaven gave the few, to 
direct the minds and nerve the arms of the many. 

We may be told, however, that error, vice, and diplo- 
matic despotism have also had their secret organiza- 
tions — even a " Holy Alliance !" True; so also have 
they had their public meetings and national congresses. 
Shall we reject the latter also, because bold, bad men 
have used openness and publicity for evil purposes? 

Among so-called secret societies of modern times, we 
know of none that has excelled the beneficent influence 
of Odd-Fellowship, within its own pale, in relieving the 
sick and distressed, and especially in preventing suf- 
fering and poverty in the families of its members. Nor 
is there one whose measures of relief and benevolence 
have been more generally copied than those of this 
"friendly Order;" and seldom, if ever, (astonishing as 
it is in this age of improvement,) with any important 
addition enhancing their efficiency. 

An institution manifesting so much influence, per- 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 17 



forming so much good, preventing so much evil, and 
increasing so rapidly and widely its numbers and its 
power, may well attract public attention, and excite a 
laudable desire to know its origin, progress, principles, 
resources and measures, its aims and objects. 

§ 2. Antiquity of the Order. 

A love of mystery and blind veneration for antiquity 
has induced most associations to claim an origin trace- 
able to the remotest ages of the world. There have not 
been wanting well-meaning Odd-Fellows to render that 
doubtful service for our Order. Confounding principles 
with the institution embodying them, they have claimed 
equal antiquity for both. And similarities which can 
easily be found between the modes of initiation and 
other ceremonials of ancient associations and those of 
our own Order, have been triumphantly appealed to, in 
proof of the unwarranted assumption. And even where 
such likeness could not be found, it was easy to draw 
upon imagination for facts, and cover modern inven- 
tions with a seeming rust of ages. 

A brief enumeration of some of these fabulous histo- 
ries of our Order may serve to guard the unwary against 
further imposition. The greatest exertion of tradition 
was to make our great forefather, Adam, the founder of 
our Order. Prying Mother Eve was probably excluded, 
and all her daughters with her ! Grand Sire Wildey, 
during his visit to England, in 1826, procured an emblem 
from one of the Lodges there, representing Adam laying 
the foundation-stone, which emblem he presented to the 
Grand Lodge of the United States. 

Another tradition declares the Order to date from an 
ancient society among the Jewish priesthood, founded 

2* 



18 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



by Moses and Aaron. Another traces it up to Egypt, 
in the days of Abraham, safe among the shadows and 
marvels of that wonderful land. And another still, on 
the testimony of a Scotchman, in 1840, represents it as 
having originated among the Roman soldiers, during 
the reign of Nero, A. D. 55. Whether the witness was 
present, or what documents he possessed in proof, is 
not stated. "At that time," he gravely says, "they 
were called Fellow Citizens ; and the present name was 
given them by Titus Cesar, A. D. 79, from the singu- 
larity of their notions, and from their knowing each 
other by night and by day ; and for their fidelity to 
him and their country, he not only gave them the name 
of Odd-Fellows, but at the same time, as a pledge of 
friendship, presented them with a dispensation engraved 
on a plate of gold, bearing different emblems — such as 
the sun, moon and stars, the lamb, the lion, the dove, 
and other emblems of mortality !" It is a great pity 
that this golden charter was not preserved along with 
that emblem representing Adam laying the foundation- 
stone ! Some accounts represent this Roman Military 
Order as constituted of early Christians, notwithstanding 
the fact that the early disciples of Jesus preferred mar- 
tyrdom to service in the legions of Rome. 

Another tradition has crossed the Atlantic, that the 
Order originated, or at least was known, among the 
Goths, Huns, Scandinavians, Suevi, and Moors — that 
it was established in Spain in the fifth century ; in 
Portugal in the sixth century ; in France in the 
twelfth century ; whence it was carried to England 
by John De Neville and five knights of France, 
who formed a "Loyal Grand Lodge of Honor," which 
remained until the eighteenth century, when it changed 
its organization into a Union of Lodges of Odd- 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 19 



Fellows, known as the Ancient or London Order — ■ 
from which came our present Orders. These gross, 
baseless, and contradictory fables, after repeated inef- 
fectual calls for testimony, have been utterly discarded 
as proofless and absurd, by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States. — See Journal, Vol. L, pp. 336, 337. 

James L. Ridgely, Esq., P. G. Master, and at present 
and for many years past the G. Corresponding and 
Recording Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, in his Boston Oration, June 19th, 1845, 
after dwelling on the antiquity and divine origin of 
human fraternity, (our foundation-principle,) publicly 
declared : — 

" I know that it has been not unusual, on occasions 
like the present, to claim for Odd-Fellowship affinity 
with secret institutions which had their origin in periods 
of time when the passions of men were fiercest, and the 
midnight of idolatry overshadowed and blighted the 
promptings of the human heart. I am here to repudiate 
such associations." 

" Although we may discover a similitude in the fact 
of initiation, in rites, ceremonies, and in gradations of 
degrees, between those institutions and Odd-Fellowship, 
we will find no traces of the principles of fraternity, 
which distinguish eminently our affiliation." . . . . 
" Odd-Fellowship invokes not the aid or sanction of 
such ages to consecrate its principles ; and if, in truth, 
these could be summoned to attest its antiquity, they 
would rather awaken just indignation against its cha- 
racter, than serve to commend its merits to an en- 
lightened public opinion. Dismissing therefore, and I 
hope for ever, the Oracles of Egyptian or Grecian 
philosophy, and the still more absurd pretences which 
would discover the sources of Odd-Fellowship in tbe 



20 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Roman Camps ; and assuming that its benign principles 
have been drawn from the image reflected upon man in 
his creation, let us turn to a truthful narrative of the 
origin of Odd-Fellowship, and its capacity to compass 
the brotherhood of man." — Golden Rule for July 12, 
1845, pp. 43, 44. 

§ 3. Origin in Great Britain. 

The origin of Odd-Fellowship as an institution ' is 
involved in obscurity. When the small stream first 
issues into the light of history, it is very humble also. 
The Nile, though known ever since the days of Joseph, 
has not yet had its sources discovered by Europeans. 
In 1788, as we learn from the Biography of James 
Montgomery, the Poet, he wrote the song (which will 
be found in Appendix A) begining 

" When Friendship, Love, and Truth abound 
Among a band of brothers," 

for a society of London mechanics and laborers, bear- 
ing the motto of our Order, and presumed to be a Lodge 
of "Ancient and Honorable Loyal Odd-Fellows." All 
beyond that date is mere conjecture or proofless tradi- 
tion. It is unknown whether our then recent revolu- 
tionary struggle for independence, or the more ancient 
teachings of the Bible, suggested the Fatherhood of 
God, and consequent equality and fraternity of man, as 
the foundation-stone of the Order. Nor can we trace 
the steps by which the measures of mutual relief in 
sickness and distress, and provision for burial of the 
dead, and care for the orphan and widow, grew up 
among them. 

But knowing that it was an institution originated by 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 21 



common circumstances of want and providence, and 
cemented by social feelings frequently indulged until 
they warmed into a fraternal glow, we can readily 
imagine how great principles would be suggested, and 
measures for carrying them out be successively im- 
proved. 

They were toiling laborers, in a land and under a 
government where hard-handed industry is less esteemed 
than here ; where distinctions of rank and wealth are 
greater than we have ever known. Their daily labor 
barely sufficed to procure them daily bread. When 
sickness came, gaunt and terrible want was not far off. 
When calculating wealth refused them the privilege to toil 
for bread, they lacked means to seek employment else- 
where, and support their families meanwhile. When 
on the bed of disease or death, none could spare time 
to smooth the creased pillow, or moisten the fevered 
lips, or speak calmness to the delirious mind. When 
they looked forward to the close of this " fitful, feverish" 
life, beyond it was only a pauper's coffin to be pressed 
into, a pauper's grave into which to be huddled out of 
sight, without a breathed prayer over the dead, or a 
whispered text of hope and consolation for the living. 
And for the surviving partner and bereaved children no 
future was presented, but trundling them from parish 
to parish, until they were thrust into the vice and in- 
famy of the almshouse ; or, perhaps, thrusting them 
into the streets, to grow up beggars or criminals, if 
they did not earlier perish in the gutter ! Such were, 
most probably, the circumstances and prospects of not 
a few who commenced our Order, devised its first crude 
measures of relief and burial of the dead, and based 
the whole structure on the Fatherhood of God and the 
Brotherhood of man. 



22 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL 



Feeling that Rank and Wealth would degrade them 
if they could, they resolved to support and aid each other, 
and to contribute weekly a portion of their scanty earn- 
ings for that purpose.* Feeling also how sectarian and 
party strifes had estranged men from each other, and 
rendered them powerless and abject by such divisions, 

* " In early times, as has been stated, brothers were helped by 
penny subscriptions gathered in the following manner, viz. : — When- 
ever a brother attended a Lodge, he handed a penny to the Secre- 
tary. No matter to what Lodge he belonged, the visitor and the 
member alike paid the penny contribution. This practice was 
invariably observed on entering a Lodge. Then, if the wants of a 
sick or needy brother required assistance, the Lodge by vote appro- 
priated such a sum as the exigency of the case demanded. If out 
of employment, he was furnished with a card and sufficient funds to 
reach his nearest destination, [or the next Lodge.] If he was not 
successful there, the brothers in that place provided for his further 
progress, and thus they continued to travel until they found employ- 
ment, and then they deposited the card in some Lodge in the same 
vicinity." — Odd-Fellow's Keepsake, p. 142. 

"In the old country, another practice obtained, to wit: — When 
the wants of a sick or distressed brother went beyond the small 
amounts that the penny contributions furnished above the Lodge 
expenses, word was sent to other Lodges that a collection would be 
taken up, when usually a sufficient number of copper consolations 
were collected to relieve the immediate and pressing wants of the 
needy and sick. It was not unusual, in such cases, for a Lodge in a 
body to visit the Lodge calling for aid, and sometimes hundreds 
would go purposely to give their contributions, and continue to go 
until the exhausted funds of the Lodge calling for aid, were re- 
cruited. This act of generosity was reciprocated with a praiseworthy 
promptitude." — Ibid. p. 143. 

This voluntary penny contribution was, it is believed, first super- 
seded in this country, by the present more reliable and less objection- 
able system of stated weekly dues and stipulated benefits — making 
donations only on special occasions. The present system was com- 
menced by the Lodges in Baltimore, about the year 1825. — A. B. G. 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 23 



they excluded all such topics and distinctions from 
their meetings, and resolved only to know, to labor for, 
and to love each other as men — as brethren. 



§ 4. Convivial Practices. 

At that period (and is it not too much the case at 
this ?) convivial practices were common everywhere, 
among nearly all associations and gatherings of men. 
But especially in Great Britain, all social and moral 
societies, even vestry, presbyterial, and other church 
meetings for business, were stimulated freely with intoxi- 
cating drinks and the fumes of tobacco.* 

We need not wonder, therefore, that Odd-Fellows, at 
that early day, were addicted to practices which greater 
light, and a purer morality, now declare to be " incon- 
sistent with our laudable profession." Meeting, as 
they did, in public houses of not the most select cha- 
racter, the only places open to men of their humble 
pretensions and limited means, the beer-mug, the pipe 
and the toast, circulated freely, as the song and jest 
excited their mirth and hilarity; until, by frequent 
repetition calling for increased indulgence, it is no 
wonder that the noble objects of their meetings were 
too frequently made but secondary to mere sensual 
gratifications. The wonder is, not that those early 



**Even so late as 1885, Rev. Heman Humphrey, D. D., President 
of Amherst College, Mass., gave a discouraging view of the habits 
of clergymen and church members generally in Great Britain. He 
says, quoting from another, "in some presbyteries, (in Scotland,) 
the presbyterial dinner is furnished with liquor by fines imposed on 
various occasions," and paid by the clergy ! — See Foreign Tour, 
Vol. 2, pp. 5-32. 



21 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



Lodges were so greatly convivial clubs, but that they 
did not become merely such.* 



* We give a specimen or two of the songs said to have been sung 
Id those early Lodge meetings, that the reader may see the moral 
progress of the Order, by comparing them with the Odes and Songs in 
use at the present day, as given in Appendix A. 

The following is said to be a chorus : — 

" Then let us be social, be generous, be kind, 
And let each take his glass and be mellow ; 
Then we'll join heart and hand, leave dissension behind, 
And we'll each prove a hearty Odd-Fellow." 

And the following is said to have been a long-standing favorite : — 

" Oh what pleasure for to meet 

With friends so blithe and jolly, 
Who all delight for to dispel 

The gloom of melancholy ! 
Then let us throw all care aside, 

Let's merry be and mellow ; 
May Friendship, Love, and Truth abide 

With every true Odd-Fellow. 

" True Friendship is a treasure great, 

As such may we regard it ; 
May discord ne'er our Lodge intrude, 

Nor any thing retard it : 
But let the song and toast go round, 

And every heart be mellow ; 
And may our motto still be found 

In every true Odd- Fellow." 

A contrast no less gratifying can also be made between the General 
Rules and Regulations of that and a later period, and the state of the 
Order at this time, and especially on this continent. Fines were 
common then, for going to sleep, for getting drunk, for noisy demon- 
strations, and for introducing improper toasts or songs, during Lodgt 
meetings. No such penalties are needed now, for the General Law 
of the Order, that " no refreshments of any kind, except water, shall 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 25 



The singularity of its name, and humility of its 
origin, needed not these convivial practices to bring the 
institution into suspicion and disrepute, nor a defective 
organization to involve it in trouble and internal dis- 
sension. On the extension of the Order to Liverpool, 
the Lodges united in a more general system, under the 
title of « The Union Order of Odd-Fellows," having 
London as its seat of government. This arrangement 
continued until about 1809, when, after the institution 
of Victory Lodge in Manchester, some intelligent men 
perceived the necessity of reforming the convivial prac- 
tices of the brotherhood, and making mutual relief and 
charity the main objects of their meetings. But after 
agitating the subject for years, they found that even 
the partial reform they advocated could not be effected 
without an entire change of the Order. 

§ 5. The Independent Order. 

A Convention of friends of reform was accordingly 
held in Manchester, in 1813, when several Lodges se- 
ceded in due form from the Union Order, and consti- 
tuted the « Independent Order of Odd-Fellows." Under 
the impulse of improved practices, this new Order 
advanced rapidly, and soon overshadowed the rival 
from whence it sprang forth. In 1825 it increased the 
efficiency of its government by instituting a Central 

at any time be allowed in the Lodge-room, or in any of the apart- 
ments or passages thereto belonging," render them unnecessary. 

If those early Rules were "behind the age" to which they be- 
longed, (which we much doubt,) the present general law in this 
country was, when framed, in advance of not a few of the associations 
of that period. Surely an institution capable of such self-reform and 

progress cannot be wanting in religious principle and moral power. 

3 



26 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Standing Committee in Manchester, to govern the Order 
in the interim between the sessions of the Annual Mov- 
able Committee, as the Chief Lodge is termed. 

But the unwieldy size of the Annual Movable Com- 
mittee soon led to the assumption and abuse of power 
by the Central Committee, which, in turn, led to various 
attempts at reform, and revolutions and secessions on 
their failure. Hence in 1845, according to the Oration 
at Boston, by P. G. Master Ridgely, " there are many 
ramifications of Odd-Fellowship from the parent stock 
in England, all of which form distinct communities, 
holding no intercourse with each other, and each claim- 
ing to strive in the cause of human benefaction, under 
the banner of Friendship, Love, and Truth. Among 
the most prominent are the following : — The Independ- 
ent Order of Odd-Fellows, Manchester Unity, (from 
which we derive our being,) numbering about 400,000 ; 
The Grand United Order of Odd-Fellows, Sheffield 
Unity ; Ancient Order of Odd-Fellows, Bolton Unity ; 
Imperial Order of Odd-Fellows, Nottingham Unity; 
United Order of Odd-Fellows, Leeds Unity ; Imperial 
Order of Odd-Fellows, Paddick Unity ; Independent 
Reformed Order of Odd-Fellows. The last, it is to be 
hoped, may prove what its name indicates, a Reformed 
Order of Odd-Fellows in England." — Crolden Rule for 
July 12, 1845. 

We may as well close our notice of Odd-Fellowship 
in Britain, here, by stating, that after the aggressions 
of the Manchester Unity on our chartered rights and 
privileges, and their repeated departures from the 
ancient work of the Order, had compelled us to secede 
from them, and declare ourselves to be, by working and 
usage, the Independent Order, that Unity made efforts 
to establish Lodges in the United States, subject to her 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 27 



alone. She had, previously, established Lodges in 
Canada, and probably in some others of the British 
provinces in this country. But the attempt to establish 
Lodges in the States proved a failure, but two or three 
having been established, and of these none remain to 
the present time. The Grand United Order of the 
Sheffield Unity has established a few Lodges among 
our colored and foreign population, several in New 
York city, several in Philadelphia, one in Reading, 
Pa., one in Pottsville, Pa., and possibly a few in other 
places. It is believed that these have now established 
their independence of the Sheffield Unity, and have 
severed the connection between the white and colored 
Lodges. 

Turn we now to the origin and history of Odd-Fel- 
lowship in America. 

§ 6. Origin in the United States, 

Several attempts were early made to establish Odd- 
Fellowship on this continent, but from various causes 
all successively failed. The early mode was by self- 
institution. Any number of Odd-Fellows united to- 
gether, formed a Lodge, and received a charter from 
any neighboring Lodge, with power to grant charters 
in return. It is claimed that Lodges were started in this 
manner during the last century. Br. John Duncan, at 
the institution of Washington Lodge, No. 1, in Balti- 
more, said he had been initiated in a Lodge in that 
city, in 1802. Shakspeare Lodge, No. 1, was instituted 
in New York, December 23d, 1806 ; nourished until 
1811 ; was heard of again in 1813 ; shortly after dis- 
solved, and was revived in 1818, and continued in 
existence until 1822. Prince Regent's Lodge was 



28 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



instituted by some Englishmen, in New York, in 1816 ; 
but its name gave it an odor of nationality, and pre- 
vented its prosperity, and it ceased. The next was 
Washington Lodge, No. 1, of Baltimore, in 1819 — then 
Franklin Lodge, No. 2, of same city, in 1819 — next 
Massachusetts Lodge, No. 1, in Boston, March 26th, 
1820 — next Franklin Lodge, No. 2, New York, January 
27th, 1821 — next Pennsylvania Lodge, No. 1, Phila- 
delphia, December 26th, 1821. Columbia Lodge, No. 
1, Washington Lodge, No. 3, and Columbia Lodge, 
No. 4, New York, were all instituted in 1822. These 
were all formed by self-institution, and those in each 
city were generally ignorant of the existence of those 
in the other cities ; and even as late as 1823 some of 
them believed themselves the only Lodges in the United 
States. 

But the only successful institution of Odd-Fellowship 
in this country — the fountain of our present organiza- 
tion — dates no further back than 1819. Thomas Wil- 
dey, a blacksmith by trade, an Englishman by birth, 
an American citizen by adoption, and a resident of 
Baltimore, inserted in the papers a call for a meeting 
of Odd-Fellows at the Seven Stars tavern, Second 
street, Baltimore. It was answered by John Duncan, 
John Welch, John Cheathem, and Richard Bushworth; 
and Washington Lodge, No. 1, was instituted, to work 
after the Union or London Order, April 26th, 1819. 
Within one month, however, its working and organiza- 
tion were changed to the Independent Order, and mea- 
sures taken to procure a charter accordingly. The 
Abercrombie Grand Lodge of Manchester (the head of 
one of the divisions of the Order, which was merged in 
the Manchester Unity in 1826,) issued a dispensation, 
January 7th, 1820; but it never reached the Lodge 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 29 



Through the instrumentality of P. G. John Crowder, of 
Preston, England, who visited Baltimore late in 1819, 
the Duke of York's Lodge, Preston, Manchester Unity, 
also issued a charter, dated February 1st, 1820, which 
was received and formally accepted by "Washington 
Lodge, October 23d, following. By this charter it was 
legally constituted the Grand Lodge of Maryland and 
the United States, with power to charter Lodges ac- 
cordingly. 

Prior to this time, there was no Grand Lodge in the 
country. The Past Grands of each Lodge organized 
themselves into a Committee of grievance and super- 
vision, with advisory powers only ; and their decisions 
were generally received and sustained. This Grand 
Charter was afterward confirmed in June, 1821, by 
the General Committee of the Manchester Unity, as 
the " Grand Lodge of Maryland and the United States," 
styling it " Washington Lodge of Philadelphia, in the 
Province of Maryland," and graciously allowing it a 
jurisdiction over " a district of twelve miles ! ! /" 

It was soon discovered that the working of a Grand 
and a Subordinate Lodge under the same charter was 
extremely inconvenient. Accordingly, on February 22d, 
1821, Washington Lodge surrendered its Grand Lodge 
Charter and powers to the Past Grands of Washington 
and Franklin Lodges ; and these Past Grands granted 
them charters in return as subordinate Lodges only. 
Thomas Wildey, the first N. G. of Washington Lodge, and 
to whose energy and zeal much of their success had been 
owing, was elected the first Grand Master. At this pe- 
riod, the white, blue, and scarlet degrees were the only 
degrees of the subordinate Lodges received from Eng- 
land ; the Covenant and Remembrance degrees, prepared 
by P. G. John P. Entwistle, of Baltimore, were called 

3* 



SO THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



"the intermediate degrees," and had not yet been 
adopted in England. The Golden Rule degree was con- 
ferred on P. Grands in Grand Lodge only, for a charge 
of seventy-five cents. The intermediate or special 
meetings of the P. Grands were called Grand Commit- 
tees, and their proceedings required the confirmation 
of the Grand Lodge, in annual session, to render them 
conclusive. 

In 1822, having ascertained that there were Lodges 
in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, Washington 
Lodge commenced efforts to effect a general union with 
them. "Massachusetts Lodge" was the first to respond, 
by application to the " Grand Lodge of Maryland and 
the United States" for a charter, which was granted 
April 13th, 1823, and G. M. Wildey empowered to 
institute the same, and open a Grand Lodge also. On 
his way to execute this mission, he induced " Pennsyl- 
vania Lodge, No. 1," to make a similar application. 
At New York, also, he reconciled the divided and jarring 
Lodges, by inducing " Columbia Lodge, No. 4," (the 
only one possessing a charter from England,) to give up 
its charter for one from Baltimore. By this mild and 
prudent management, the Grand Master secured the 
union of all the Lodges then existing in the United 
States, in one system, and under an acknowledged legal 
head; and prevented future jealousies and strifes for 
supremacy. 

The charters having been thus applied for and duly 
granted, G. Master Wildey instituted the respective 
subordinate and Grand Lodges as follows :— "Massachu- 
setts, No. 1," June 9th, 1823, and Grand Lodge, June 
11th, 1823 ; Grand Lodge of New York, June 24th, 
1823; "Pennsylvania, No. 1," and Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania, June 27th, 1823. 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 31 



The union of a National Grand Lodge with the Grand 
Lodge of Maryland, in one body, proving dissatisfactory 
to the Grand Lodges of the other States, the Grand 
Lodge of Maryland agreed to give up its complex charter 
to the several Grand Lodges, and unite with them in 
the organization of a distinct and separate Grand Lodge 
of the United States. After several preliminary meet- 
ings, this was accomplished January 15th, 1825, and 
the first annual communication held February 22d 
following. And thus was the union effected, and the 
admirable structure completed, which has since proved 
so effective in promoting the welfare and increasing the 
spread of Odd-Fellowship in this hemisphere. 

§ 7. The Order under the Grand Lodge of the United 
States. 

1825 to 1829— Thomas Wildey, Grand Sire. The 
Grand Lodge of the United States, organized January 
15th, 1825, held its first annual communication, agree- 
ably to the Constitution, February 22d, 1825, but im- 
mediately adjourned to March 30th following, when 
its officers were installed, and reports were received, by 
which it appeared that there were four Grand and nine 
Subordinate Lodges in connection. 

Encampments were then unknown. The Patriarchal 
and Eoyal Purple degrees were received about the 
period of this organization. They were conferred in 
Grand Lodges, and on Past Grands only. The practice 
of introducing intoxicating drinks, under the name of 
"refreshments," yet common in Great Britain, had 
been continued in this country, and however carefully 
guarded, produced its usual evil effects on the cha- 
racter of the members and the reputation of the Order. 



32 THE ODD-FELLOWS MANUAL. 



But the institution had now attained a permanency and 
efficiency which gave it control over its future actions 
and character. It resolved to throw off utterly this 
canker on its youth, and decreed that in no case here- 
after should any refreshments, except water, be intro- 
duced into any of our Lodges. And from thenceforward 
the reputation of the Order for morality and useful- 
ness has been steadily improving in fact and in public 
opinion. For at that period this prohibition was con- 
siderably in advance of other social organizations 
generally. 

In May, 1826, the Grand Sire, duly deputed for the 
purpose, visited England to increase the harmony and 
promote a closer intercourse between the Order in both 
countries. He was received by the British brethren 
with enthusiasm, giving and receiving instruction. He 
taught them the Covenant and Remembrance degrees, 
which they at once adopted, and the Grand Lodge 
degree, which they did not adopt, it being deemed un- 
necessary in their organization. Before he returned, 
it was intimated to him that the Order in Britain de- 
sired to present him a gold medal as a testimony of 
their regard for him personally, and for his eminent 
services to the Order at large. With that noble and 
disinterested love of the Order which he had already 
often evinced, by expending time and money in visiting 
the Eastern and Middle States of the Union, to pro- 
mote the interests of the Order, he at once declared 
that he would prefer, above all other gifts, a charter for 
the Grand Lodge of the United States, confirming to it 
the powers necessary in its present organization. This 
unselfish, patriotic desire was promptly granted. A 
charter, beautifully executed on parchment, dated May 
15th, 1826, was duly presented to him through their 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 33 



Grand Master, Thomas Derbyshire. That charter i ati- 
fies, grants, and confirms the former, and doth " also 
hereby grant, authorize, and empower the Grand Sire, 
Deputy Grand Sire, Representatives, and Proxies of 
the Grand Lodge of the United States of America to 
conduct the business of Odd-Fellowship, without the 
interference of any other country, so long as the same 
is administered according to the principles and purity 
of Odd-Fellowship." This charter was received, and 
duly accepted October 3d, 1826, and is the charter 
under which our National Grand Lodge now exists. 

It is remarkable that while these proceedings, so well 
calculated to unite the Order in both hemispheres, were 
in progress, the Manchester Unity were preparing and 
urging onward those measures which finally sundered 
the two bodies. From time to time, they changed the 
signs and other unwritten language of the Order, without 
our consent, and complained if we did not adopt their 
alterations, and admit their members, who knew not our 
working. But of this severance and its causes, in an- 
other place. 

The year 1827 opened with four Grand Lodges in 
connection, having fourteen Subordinates, of which there 
were four each in Baltimore and Philadelphia, and 
three each in Boston and New York. In November, 
1827, a charter was granted for Central Lodge, No. 1, 
in Washington, D. C, which was duly opened on the 
26th of said month. On June 14th, 1827, the Grand 
Lodge of Maryland instituted the first Subordinate 
Encampment of the Order, authorizing it to confer the 
Patriarchal, Golden Rule, and Royal Purple degrees 
on scarlet members of the Order. The year closed 
with four Grand Lodges in connection, having seventeen 
Subordinates, besides two Subordinates in the District 



34 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



of Columbia. Pennsylvania, No. 1, of Philadelphia, 
was reported as having 568 members. 

In 1828, a difficulty arose in New York. Stranger's 
Refuge Lodge denied to the Grand Lodge any more 
than advisory powers, and refused to pay its dues, or 
charge fees for conferring degrees. The Grand Lodge, 
after trying every other means to secure obedience, 
resorted to expulsion, and "was sustained by the Grand 
Lodge of the United States. Stranger's Refuge Lodge 
applied to England for countenance, but receiving none, 
submitted, and was reinstated in 1829. The Grand 
Lodge of the District of Columbia was instituted No- 
vember 24th, 1828. 

1829 to 1833— Thomas Wildey, Grand Sire. This 
Brother, though not strictly the founder of Odd-Fellow- 
ship in America, is nevertheless justly entitled to the 
credit of being not only the founder, but the most 
active and efficient promoter of the Order in its present 
form. From the formation of Washington Lodge, in 
1819, he devoted all the energies of his active mind to 
promote the welfare, extend the domain, and secure the 
success of the Order. It is mainly to his foresight, that 
that Lodge became the head of the Order at that early 
day, and thus was enabled to unite in one organization 
all the Lodges in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, 
at the very time when rivalries and conflicting claims 
were driving them asunder. To his untiring energy, 
also, is the Order indebted for its early spread in the 
South and West, he having planted its banner there 
with his own hand. When dissension and strife crept 
in at a later day, though he may have erred in judg- 
ment, yet his courteous and kind persuasions seldom 
failed in restoring peace and harmony. To his prudence 
and wisdom we owe the severance of the working Lodge 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 35 



from the Grand Lodge of Maryland and the United 
States ; and afterward the separation of the State from 
the National Grand Lodge. And to his devotion and 
noble self-sacrifice does that National Grand Lodge owe 
her full and clear recognition by the Manchester Unity 
as an independent Sovereign Lodge. Whatever may 
have been the failings of the man or the errors of the 
officer, Thomas Wildey has proved himself to be a man 
of no common character in mind and purpose, and de- 
serves the grateful remembrance of every Odd-Fellow 
in the land, for his arduous labors, and many sacrifices 
of time, travel, and means, to establish and prosper our 
beloved Order. The fact that he was elected first Grand 
Master of the Lodge of Maryland and the United States, 
and repeatedly Grand Sire of the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, shows the estimation in which his con- 
temporaries held his services. Besides these tokens, at 
two different and later periods, a beautiful gold medal, 
and a service of plate valued at $500, were presented 
to him by the Grand Lodge of the United States, as a 
testimony of their appreciation of his valuable services 
to the Order. 

In 1829,' also, Degree Lodges were instituted by the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Prior to this, degrees 
were conferred (as in Great Britain) on Sundays, in the 
Lodge-room, and the act was called " delivering lec- 
ture." The plan was followed by several of the State 
Grand Lodges — not without resistance, however, in 
some of them, by the Subordinate Lodges, whose char- 
ters authorized them to perform this work. Other 
State Grand Lodges modified the plan by the organiza- 
tion of a Degree Committee in each Subordinate Lodge, 
composed of its most experienced and best qualified 
Past Grands and officers. In others still, the duty of 



36 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



conferring degrees was vested in the D. D. G. Masters, 
and Lecture Masters selected and authorized by them, 
in conjunction with such members of the Lodge as these 
latter might select as assistants. This is especially the 
case, even where Degree Lodges are recognized, in 
districts where there is but one Lodge, or where it 
would be inconvenient to establish a Degree Lodge. 

This year also an important decision was rendered, 
which limited the powers of the Grand Sire to those 
denned in the Constitution, rejecting the analogies 
drawn from vague "ancient usage." "Pennsylvania 
Lodge, No. 1," had refused to pay benefits to a sick 
member, whereupon it was expelled by the Grand Lodge 
of that State. No. 1 then fell back upon the charter 
which she had received from the " Grand Lodge of 
Maryland and of the United States," and claimed to 
be the legal Grand Lodge of the State. Having a 
numerous membership, a majority of which followed in 
this disorganizing measure, and putting forth a plausible 
claim, she succeeded, for a time, in deceiving many into 
a union with her ; and, unfortunately, the Grand Sire 
himself recognized the rebels as a legal Lodge in his 
correspondence with them. This recognition* so roused 
the indignation of the State Grand Lodge proper, that 
at one time it very seriously meditated withdrawing 
from the Order, and forming a separate jurisdiction. 
The breach, however, was finally healed by the National 
Lodge deciding, as above stated, that the acts of the 
Grand Sire, during the recess, were unauthorized, and 
that "his powers are contained in the Constitution" 
alone. The charter of No. 1 was subsequently restored 
by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to the obedient 
minority, and thus the threatening storm was finally 
dispersed. 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 37 



Having thus carefully traced the gradual develop- 
ment of all the agencies of the Order in Grand Lodges 
and Grand Encampments — in Degree Lodges, and 
Subordinate Lodges and Encampments — and their in- 
troduction into the several States up to this period, we 
shall notice only the most prominent general events in 
the remainder of our history of the Order. We refer 
the reader to the List of Grand Lodges and Grand 
Encampments, for the dates at which the Order was 
introduced into each State and Territory. 

About this period, the anti-masonic excitement, which 
arose in Western New York two years previously, 
spread rapidly abroad, over the land. In several of the 
Northern States it took such general possession of the 
public feelings as to affect very materially the prosperity 
of our Order also, by the general prejudice excited 
against all so-termed "secret societies." In Massa- 
chusetts, the Order entirely died away. In Rhode 
Island, where it had just been planted, it obtained not 
root sufficient to grow. In New York, an unhappy 
dissension in regard to the place of the seat of the 
Grand Lodge, caused much difficulty; and, together 
with anti-masonic prejudices, prevented the spread of 
the Order. In Pennsylvania, the prejudice against 
"secret societies" caused a diminution of our Lodges, 
so that from fifty Subordinates in this State, in 1832, a 
decline to forty only, had taken place by 1838 and 
1839. And in Delaware a decline of numbers pre- 
vented the institution of a permanent Grand Lodge, 
though a charter had been issued for that purpose. 

At an adjourned session, March 4th, 1833, P. G. M. 
James Gettys, of the District of Columbia, was elected 
Grand Sire. The Grand Encampments had now been 
recognized as, and constituted independent and sove- 

4 



38 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



reign in their respective jurisdictions. The Order, 
generally, continued prosperous, and spreading abroad, 
notwithstanding its decline in some of the States, and 
its difficulties in others. 

In 1835, P. G. M. George Keyser, of Maryland, was 
installed Grand Sire. Efforts were made to induce the 
Order in Great Britain to discontinue " all convivial 
practices in their Lodges," also to prevail upon them to 
make no changes in the general features and work of 
the Order, without mutual consultation on the subject, 
that "uniformity of action and principle might exist" 
between the two jurisdictions. For, by the arbitrary 
changes in the signs and other unwritten work of the 
Order, by the Manchester Unity, difficulties were in- 
creasing between the two bodies. Their members were 
unable to give our Lodges the requisite evidence to gain 
admission, though very seldom were they refused needed 
relief. Their complaints at home, instead of correcting 
the evil there, brought on us undeserved censure for our 
just refusals, and even threats of the establishment of 
Lodges by the Manchester Unity, in our jurisdiction. 
Other evils were entailed on us by our trans-atlantic 
brethren. They were careless in the admission of mem- 
bers. Their convivial practices, which had been abated 
but not suppressed, led them to receive men whom we 
could not admit to membership in our Lodges on any 
terms short of a reformation of character. And this, 
too, brought on us charges o f violating the equity of 
fraternal faith. Again — our Lodges varied in the fees 
required for admission, in the amount of weekly dues, 
and of benefits. The British Lodges had a uniform 
price, usually much lower than ours. Yet the Man- 
chester Unity required us to admit their members at 
their price, though the benefits were so much greater in 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 39 



the American Lodges. And to add to all, the immense 
and increasing tide of immigration threw on our Lodges 
on the seaboard and thoroughfares, a continual stream 
of claimants for relief, whose characters and habits 
gave little encouragement to dispense to them pecuniary 
aid. While our emigration and foreign travel were so 
trifling, the balance against us was thus constantly pre- 
ponderating. 

To the credit of the Order in America be it said, 
that these exactions and vexations were patiently borne 
for years, during which fraternal efforts were most 
courteously made to remedy the errors and defects of 
our British brethren, by which they were caused : with 
what success will presently be seen. 

In 1836, at the election for officers, P. G. M. James 
L. Ridgely, of Maryland, was elected Grand Sire ; but 
having declined accepting, at a special session in May, 
1837, P. G. M. Samuel H. Perkins, of Pennsylvania, was 
elected in his stead, and was duly installed at the annual 
session following. A further correspondence was ordered 
with the Manchester Unity, to ascertain whether any al- 
terations had been made in the work of the Order. The 
death of the late Grand Sire, George Keyser, was an- 
nounced, and received with much regret, at this session. 

In 1838, P. G. Sire Wilcley, as Travelling Agent, 
reported the jurisdictions visited, and the Lodges and 
Encampments instituted, among which he reported 
having issued a charter for "Lone Star Lodge, No. 1," 
of Texas, the first granted by us for a foreign land 
It was duly opened July 25th, 1838. 

In 1839, owing to the want of a quorum, the annual 
communication was not held ; but at an adjourned 
session in April following, Zenas B. Glazier, of Dela- 
ware, was installed Grand Sire. A report was furnished 



40 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



of our correspondence with the Manchester Unity, m 
which it was stated that a proposition to interchange an 
A. T. P. W. had been acceded to by them, with re- 
ciprocation of our friendly feelings. But still, the 
causes of past difficulties were not removed, viz. their 
convivial practices, with the consequent degradation 
and want ; and their alterations in the work of the 
Order. 

In 1840, Grand Encampments were admitted to a 
representation in the Grand Lodge of the United States. 
An act was also passed regulating the regalia of the 
Order, which had become very diverse in various sec- 
tions. The degrees were numbered as they now stand, 
introducing "the intermediate degrees," as they were 
called, as the second and the fourth in order. 

In 1841, J. L. Bidgely, Grand Sire elect, having a 
second time declined that office, John A, Kennedy, of 
New York, was elected and installed in his stead, and 
Br. Bidgely was installed as Grand Corresponding and 
Recording Secretary, an office which he fills with dis- 
tinguished ability at this time. 

Though the Order was now prosperous everywhere, 
yet the difficulties with the British branch were growing 
more and more unpleasant. The Manchester Unity 
would not or could not be made to understand that her 
changing legislation on the work of the Order, without 
consultation with us, or even notification to us, was the 
great cause of difficulty, but continued to censure and 
threaten us, unjustly and unreasonably. Our Com- 
mittee of Correspondence was again instructed to 
devise some means for restoring harmony, and to con- 
sider the propriety of sending a deputation to England 
to effect it. Brs. J. L. Bidgely and Bev. I. D. Wil- 
liamson, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 41 



United States, were subsequently deputed and de- 
spatched on this mission. 

In 1842, the annual communication was principally 
occupied with considering the Report of our Deputies 
to the Manchester Unity. They had performed their 
duties with commendable fidelity and ability, but had 
been met by requirements that were impracticable, viz. 
the admission of English brethren to membership in our 
Lodges at the uniform rate of ten shillings and sixpence 
sterling, and the adoption of their changes of the work 
of the Order. As the Grand Lodge of the United States 
possesses not the power of regulating the prices of ad- 
mission in subordinate Lodges under State Grand 
Lodges, each Lodge regulating its own pecuniary mat- 
ters beyond certain minimums, this pertinacity of the 
Unity ended the negotiation, with a renewal of offensive 
measures on their part. The Grand Lodge of the United 
States, after thanking its deputies, formally and unani- 
mously severed the connection ; and, in view of the fact 
that the Manchester Unity had abandoned the ancient 
work and landmarks of the Order, as well as violated 
its principles and attempted to invade our chartered 
rights, the Grand Lodge of the United States, in 1843, 
declared itself the only fountain and depository of 
"Independent Odd-Fellowship" on the globe. 

We may add in this place, that this act of severance 
relieved our Lodges from a great pecuniary burden ; 
and, what was of far more importance, from a connection 
with many whose moral habits by no means added to 
the character of the Order, of which, till now, they 
were acknowledged members. The Manchester Unity, 
in accordance with its threats, subsequently made the 
attempt to establish Lodges of its own in this country; 
but, after starting one in New York, and another in 

4* 



42 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Philadelphia, composed of expelled members of our 
Lodges, and foreigners, it finally desisted from the 
hopeless work. The Grand Lodge of the United States 
issued warrants for Lodges in Great Britain. A subor- 
dinate and a Grand Lodge were instituted at Tredegar, 
in Wales, and a subordinate in Stockport, England, and 
a charter was granted for one never instituted, in Liver- 
pool. But after a time, these were discontinued also ; 
and thus each party was left in undisturbed possession 
of its own jurisdiction. 

In 1843, Howell Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, was in- 
stalled Grand Sire. A dispensation was issued for 
opening "Prince of Wales Lodge, No. 1," at Montreal, 
Canada. This was done in no spirit of retaliation, or 
desire to interfere with the Manchester Unity; but 
under a standing rule that Lodges might be chartered 
in any country where there was not a Grand Lodge of 
the Order. 

In 1844, P. G. M. E. H. Chapin, of Massachusetts, 
P. G. M. James L. Bidgely, of Maryland, P. G. James 
D. McCabe, of Virginia, P. G. Sire John A. Kennedy, 
of New York, and P. D. G. Sire Wm. W. Moore, of 
the District of Columbia, were appointed a Committee 
to revise the Lectures and Charges of the Order. These 
had been originally prepared by different persons, of 
various degrees of ability, and of differing mental cha- 
racters and dispositions. Consequently, many gram- 
matical inaccuracies had required correction previous 
to this time. But there were, also, some fabulous and 
otherwise objectionable statements interwoven with the 
moral and social lessons, which much impaired their 
solemnity and impressiveness. And the general har- 
mony and entire style were capable of much improve- 
ment. As the Order had now spread widely abroad, 



HISTORY OP ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 43 



and embraced many individuals of not only high moral 
character, but literary acquirements and refined taste, 
these naturally felt desirous of a change which would 
commend it more to their own feelings, and make it 
attractive to the congenial spirits who were now flocking 
to our portals. 

In 1845, Thomas Sherlock, of Ohio, was installed 
Grand Sire. Honorary membership, which had hitherto 
been allowed in some States, was now abolished, as in- 
consistent with the system of mutual relief and the 
equality of members. Efforts had been made, for several 
years, to secure to the wives and widows of members, 
while travelling, the aid and protection of the Order. 
These were crowned with partial success, this year, by 
permission granted to Lodges to grant unto all such 
persons certificates for that purpose. 

In 1846, the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment 
of British North America were, at their own request, 
constituted separate and independent sovereignties; 
they agreeing not to alter any of the work of the Order, 
to retain the same qualifications for membership, and to 
receive their annual Travelling Pass Word from the 
Grand Lodge of the United States. 

The terms of office in subordinate Lodges were 
changed from three to six months. — A splendid gold 
hunting-watch, with chain to correspond, was presented, 
at this session, to P. G. Master Ridgely, on the part of 
the Grand Lodge of the United States, as a token of 
appreciation of- his arduous and valuable services as the 
Editor of the Covenant and Official Magazine, for several 
years, and of his long-continued labors as the Grand 
Corresponding and Recording Secretary. 

At a Special Session, the revised Lectures and Charges 
were considered and adopted, and the Order put in pos- 



44 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



session of a ritual more consistent in its teachings and 
beautiful in style. 

In 1847, Horn R. Kneass, of Pennsylvania, was in- 
stalled Grand Sire. A few years before, a movement 
had been commenced, in several States, to reform the 
basis of representation in State Grand Lodges and 
Encampments. Originally, every Past Grand, after 
" passing the chairs," became not only a member of the 
Grand Lodge, but the permanent representative of any 
Lodge to which he was attached for the time being. 
As every Lodge passed four Noble Grands each year, 
when Lodges became numerous, the representation be- 
came unwieldy, and the legislators were independent of 
their subordinates. And as the Grand Lodges usually 
had their location in some large city, the expense of 
attending from a distance threw the entire legislation 
into the hands of the numerous Past Grands residing 
in the immediate vicinity of the Grand Lodge. When 
a full attendance was secured by the excitement of some 
proposed measure, legislation by a croivd of several 
hundreds was well-nigh impossible. The election of 
Grand Officers being held in the Grand Lodge alone, 
few besides the Past Grands of the immediate vicinity 
could participate in it. These, and other inequalities, 
with the abuses to which they necessarily gave rise, 
became more and more developed as the Order increased 
in numbers and extent, until dissatisfaction became 
general, and various plans of reform were proposed; 
all pointing, however, to a representative system, in 
which the legislators should be limited in number, and 
elected annually by their subordinates ; and providing 
for the election of Grand Officers by the Past Grands 
in their respective Lodges. 

Such a great change, overthrowing the centralization 



HISTOKY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 45 



of power, and depriving a numerous and active body of 
long-enjoyed exclusive privileges, was naturally resisted 
by many of those interested, as well as by conservative 
portions of the Order, as unjust in itself, as well as 
dangerous to vested rights and the stability of the In- 
stitution. 

New York, whose Grand Lodge already numbered 
twenty-two hundred Past Grands, and was increasing 
at the rate of nearly eight hundred per year, led the 
way in the proposed reform. In 1846, over one hundred 
amendments to the Constitution were pending ; and as 
it was seen that, with a vigorous opposition, a session 
of months would be necessary to decide upon them, the 
reformers offered as a substitute for all the amend- 
ments, a proposition to hold a Convention of Delegates 
from the Lodges, for the purpose of framing a new 
Constitution. After some delay and opposition, both 
parties agreed to this proposition, the Convention was 
held, and a new Constitution agreed to, with but two 
dissenting votes. But, on the 8th of December, when 
over one hundred Lodges were not present by their re- 
presentation, this new Constitution was annulled by the 
Grand Lodge, on the ground that the proposition for 
thus altering the Constitution was not proposed and 
adopted in a constitutional manner ; and the old Con- 
stitution was declared to be in full force. The excite- 
ment and indignation of the majority, at this unexpected 
measure, drew together, at the February Session, the 
largest number of Past Grands ever assembled in that 
Grand Lodge. But all motions to reconsider, rescind, 
or annul the resolutions passed in December, w r ere met 
by Grand Master Taylor with decisions that they were 
out of order ; and when appeals from his decisions were 
called for, he refused to entertain the appeals. An 



46 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



appeal to the Grand Lodge of the United States fol- 
lowed, as a matter of course, and this latter body de- 
cided that the Grand Master "acted erroneously in 
refusing an appeal from Ms opinion to the Grand 
Lodge." In regard to the new Constitution, the Grand 
Lodge of the United States decided that it should be 
submitted, in a corrected form, to the Grand Lodge of 
New York, at its November session, "with full power 
to adopt, or reject, or amend and adopt" the same. 

At the November session, 1847, the Grand Lodge of 
New York, after various efforts to compromise the 
difficulties, by amending the proposed new Constitution, 
adopted it as a preamble and resolution, entire, by a 
single voting — ayes 202, nays 77 — three Lodges giving 
tie votes, and therefore not counted. The Grand Lodge 
made all necessary provisions for adjourning until the 
annual session, as contemplated by the new Constitu- 
tion ; and the Grand Master himself declared it adopted, 
and that it would be operative after the close of that 
session. 

But on the 1st of December following, the Grand 
Master issued a proclamation, declaring the old Con- 
stitution yet in force, because it had not yet been sub- 
mitted to, and approved by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States. The Grand Lodge of the United States 
had decided, only a year before, that " in the interval 
between the adoption of the Constitution, or amend- 
ments, and its confirmation by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, it is binding upon the body by which it 
is adopted." But Grand Master Taylor decided that 
this general rule did not apply, as this was a special 
case. On the contrary, the majority (or New Consti- 
tution party) rested upon this general rule and the 
action of their Grand Lodge, and therefore proceeded 



HISTORY OP ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 47 



with their organization under the new Constitution. 
The division becoming serious, the majority urged the 
Grand Sire to call a special session of the National 
Grand Lodge; but he, being averse to that measure, 
appointed a special commission to proceed to New York, 
and inquire into the case. The majority denied the 
power of the Grand Sire to appoint such a commission, 
and refused to appear before it, when the examination 
proceeded ex parte, aided by a Committee from the 
minority Grand Lodge only. Their report was unfa- 
vorable to the majority, and the Grand Sire accord- 
ingly issued a mandate declaring the new Constitution 
not lawfully adopted. The majority Grand Lodge paid 
no attention either to the report of the Commissioners 
or the mandate of the Grand Sire. Removals of Grand 
Officers from office, expulsions of Past Grands for con- 
tempt, and suspensions of subordinate Lodges proceeded 
on both sides, paining the hearts of the brotherhood 
everywhere, and making "confusion worse confounded." 
In 1848, these difficulties came before the Grand 
Lodge of the United States for adjudication and deci- 
sion. A majority (47 to 24) voted to receive the old 
Constitution Representatives, and to reject those sent 
by the Grand Lodge of the majority. But the minority 
of Grand Representatives, respectable for numbers and 
for character, protested against the decision, and sent 
forth two addresses, signed in full; the first to the New 
Constitution Grand Lodge of New York, advising them 
not to organize another Order, but stand fast as they 
were, and pledging themselves to use their utmost 
exertions to secure for them justice and right; the 
other to the Order at large, calling on it to decide 
whether our government shall be " one of defined 



48 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



powers and limited authority, or of personal discretion 
and undefined prerogative/" 

In 1849, R. H. Griffin, of Georgia, was installed 
Grand Sire. This session was looked to with intense 
interest. The New York difficulties were the principal 
subject. Two sets of Representatives from Grand 
Lodges and Grand Encampments again claimed ad- 
mission. On the report of a special committee, the 
State was divided. The old Constitution body was called 
the Grand Lodge of Southern New York, with juris- 
diction over the Southern judicial district, and such 
Lodges of the Northern district as elected to adhere to 
it — seven in number. The new Constitution body was 
called the Grand Lodge of Northern New York, having 
jurisdiction over the Northern judicial district, and 
such Lodges in the Southern district as preferred being 
under it — nineteen in number. Thus ended a difficulty 
which threatened the rupturing of the entire Order, and 
both parties have acquiesced in it, and are prospering 
under the new arrangement. 

The spirit of reform had meanwhile advanced rapidly 
in other States, several Grand Lodges having adopted 
strictly representative systems of legislation, It now 
appeared prominently in the National Grand Lodge. 
Numerous amendments to the Constitution and By- 
Laws, proposing alterations in the basis of representa- 
tion and the modes of paying representatives, were 
before that body. In order that they might be fully 
considered and acted upon, a special session was ap- 
pointed to be held the week preceding the annual session, 
both of which were to meet in Cincinnati, the next year; 
and the Constitution was then and there to be amended, 
or a new one framed, by the Special session, and offered 
for adoption at the Annual Communication. 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 49 



Unfortunately for the success of this measure, there 
were connected with it certain constitutional and pecu- 
niary objections. The amendments, or new Constitution 
that might be passed upon at the Special Session, would 
not be submitted to the State Grand Bodies for their 
consideration, before the Annual Session. Nor would 
they be laid over, properly speaking, from one Annual 
Session to the other, as required by the spirit, if not 
the strict letter of the Constitution in force. To defray 
the extraordinary expenses of the two sessions, another 
alteration was made. Up to this period, each Grand 
Body represented in the Grand Lodge of the United 
States paid the expenses of its own representatives. It 
was now decided that the Grand Lodge of the United 
States should pay them three dollars per day, and six 
cents mileage, going and returning, and that an assess- 
ment should be made- upon the State Grand Lodges for 
this purpose. This assessment was to be according to 
membership, and not according to representation. And 
the officers in charge made it by assessing six cents on 
each member of the subordinates in State jurisdictions, 
when none but the State Grand Lodges have power to 
tax subordinates. Exceptions were therefore taken, 
and protests offered on each of these points. A few 
also protested against holding any session out of Balti- 
more. Some Grand Bodies utterly refused paying the 
assessment, and others paid it under protest, and de* 
manded its return. And to crown all, the cholera, 
which had raged severely the year previous in the 
Mississippi valley, again made its appearance there, 
and created much reluctance to travelling in that re- 
gion. 

All these causes combined, prevented a quorum from 
assembling at the Special Session, until too late to 

5 



50 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



transact the business assigned it. Consequently, the 
Annual Session had no amendments or change of Con- 
stitution before it, on which to act, and could only 
postpone the amendments previously before it to "a 
more convenient season." 

The assessments made on the State Grand Lodges 
were confirmed, but the law requiring them was re- 
pealed. Instead, the annual dues of State Grand 
Bodies were proposed to be increased from twenty to 
fifty dollars for each Grand Representative to which 
they were entitled; and a considerable increase was 
made in the prices of books, cards, and odes, which are 
wholly supplied by the National Grand Lodge. 

At this session, Past Grand Sires were declared to 
no longer possess the right of voting in the Grand Lodge 
of the United States, unless they were also Representa- 
tives ; but the right to a seat in that Body was still ac- 
corded them. At the next session, an effort to restore 
to them the privilege of voting, was defeated by a 
large and increased majority. 

In 1 851, "Wm. W. Moore, of the District of Columbia, 
was installed Grand Sire, at Baltimore. The New York 
case was now more clearly understood, and coolly con- 
sidered ; and, in consequence, some errors were corrected, 
and atonement made for unintentional injustice done to 
the New Constitution Grand Lodge. 

For several years prior to this session, efforts had 
been made to remove the reproach cast upon our Order, 
(in common with all similar associations, and, may we 
not say, all legislative, judicial, and executive bodies, 
and nearly all colleges and universities ?) for excluding 
females. A partial remedy had been applied in granting 
cards to wives and widows of members. But this did 
not satisfy the wishes of a great portion of the brother- 



HISTORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 51 

hood. At this session, a further advance was effected. 
Representative Colfax, of Indiana, Chairman of the 
Committee on this subject, appointed at a previous 
session, now reported a degree for the wives of members 
of the Scarlet degree, called the Degree of Rebekah. 
This has been recived with much favor everywhere. It 
is carefully guarded, to secure ladies from any appear- 
ance of evil or ground of reproach, being administered 
only in the presence of their husbands, and used only 
when the lady herself may deem it necessary for a 
laudable purpose. As it fully unfolds to the Daughters 
of Rebekah the objects and measures of our affiliation, 
it is removing much prejudice by enlisting a large and 
influential body of matrons in our favor and defence. 
By an oversight, arising from the hurry of business at 
the close of the session, the widows of deceased brothers 
of the Scarlet degree were not included as qualified to 
receive this degree. This omission will undoubtedly be 
corrected at the next session; nor is it improbable that 
an effort will be made to include the mothers, daugh- 
ters, and even sisters of fifth degree members also. 

We have thus traced the history of our Order from 
its first appearance as an institution, as fully as our 
limits would permit. The feebly glimmering spark, 
obscured by surrounding ashes, and momently threat- 
ened with extinction by the want of proper elements on 
which to feed its fire, has increased to a glowing, gene- 
rous flame, abundantly able to support its own com- 
bustion, and give warmth and life to all around. That 
band of five brethren in Baltimore, one-third of a 
century ago, has grown into a mighty army, has over- 
spread the land with its Lodges and Encampments, 
has mightily grappled with forlorn destitution and 
suffering, and driven back the waves of ignorance, vice, 



52 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



and selfishness everywhere, and has moulded into a 
kindred likeness of benevolence, not a few institutions 
nearly as powerful for good as itself. Surely, when we 
view the difficulties that beset Odd-Fellowship every- 
where, the .humble lives and scanty means of its early 
members, and then look at its past progress and present 
condition, we may say, "It is the Lord's doing, and it 
is marvellous in our eyes !" 



CHAPTER II. 

OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 

Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? .... Come and 
see. — John i. 46. 

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judg- 
ment. — John yii. 24. 

Odd-Fellowship having increased so rapidly, and 
spread its organizations so widely, within a few years, 
naturally attracted the attention of nearly all classes of 
the community. Rising, too, as it seemed, out of the 
midst, and in defiance of a violent excitement against a 
supposedly similar institution, every objection urged 
against that was pressed against this. Some regarded 
it with horror. Mystery they deemed but another name 
for evil, and all "secret societies" dangerous to the 
moral, social, and political well-being of the country. 
Hence, Odd-Fellowship was denounced as "a net and 
tsnare of Satan," and " a dangerous conspiracy against 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 53 



the rest of community." A few regarded it with con- 
tempt, believing it a childish mummery, calculated to 
enroll only weak minds and those fond of the notoriety 
acquired by singularity of name and conduct, and vain 
of the parade of big titles, banners, and regalia. Others, 
viewing its rapid increase, have been disposed to examine 
it more closely, to learn what of good or ill has thus 
extended its operations in the land. And not a few, 
who have noted its deeds of benevolence, and its salutary 
social influences, desire to trace its outer deeds to its 
inner life, and ascertain what are really its ultimate 
aims and highest objects, and what the means by which 
it purposes to accomplish them. 

To all these, and especially to the latter two, we now 
address ourselves, in all truthfulness and honesty. We 
will endeavor fairly to state and candidly to answer 
objections, unfold our principles, and declare fully our 
objects. And the portions prepared especially for 

" Brethren of our friendly Order," 

of every degree, station, and office, will further disclose 
the life which animates us in all the obligations, duties, 
privileges, and operations of our fraternity. 

§ 1. Our Name. 

It seems that of a mere convivial club, or, at best, 
of light-minded persons, who delight to practice "frolic 
and fun," and affect singularity of conduct to gain no- 
toriety among the curious and ignorant. 

The names Nazarene and Christian were once terms 
of even greater obloquy and reproach than is that of 
Odd-Fellow. Yet, in despite of odium and singularity 
then, none are now more honorable and honored in 

6* 



54 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Christendom. Condemn us not, then, merely because 
of our name. 

True, it is a singular one ; but we chose it not. It 
came to us, attached to an institution which, for many 
years, in another country, had fulfilled its great motto, 
"Friendship, Love, and Truth," by visiting the sick, 
relieving the distressed, burying the dead, educating 
the orphan, and supporting the widow. Hence, singular 
as that name is — yea, odious as it may sound to some- 
it has been rendered dear to our hearts by the glorious 
deeds of benevolence and philanthropy performed under 
it, and by the great moral and religious principles 
associated with it, until its singularity is lost in its 
moral value and beauty. To us, Odd-Fellow is an 
honorable name. We love to wear it, and to bear its 
reproach we deem an honor. 

To be an Odd-Fellow, in the sense it has in our 
minds, you must act and speak like an honest man; 
you must do all the good to mankind that is in your 
power; you must reverence God; do to your neighbor 
as you would have him do unto you, and keep yourself 
free from all excess and pollution. Alas, that some 
who bear the name do not sustain the character ! To 
do the work of an Odd-Fellow, you must attend the 
couch of the sick and dying, the side of suffering and 
distress, the house of mourning, the grave of the de- 
parted, the abode of poverty and want, and "visit the 
widows and fatherless in their afflictions," as well as the 
Lodge-room, where social intercourse and fellowship 
abound. Become an Odd-Fellow, and sustain the cha- 
racter, and perform the duties, and share the privileges 
of that name, and it will sound as sweet to you as it is 
dear to us. 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 



2. Our Obligations and Penalties. 

We have been branded as "an oath-bound association, 
whose members are obligated, by bloody penalties, to 
favcr each other wrongfully, and to punish violations of 
these obligations in some severe and terrible manner;" 
yet there is not a single obligation administered among 
us, inconsistent with any duty we owe to self, family, 
country, mankind, or to our Creator. All the aid we 
are to render each other, is and must be within the 
limits of strict humanity and patriotism, of morality 
and religion. We invoke no penalty on life or limb, 
person or property: nothing but the social and moral 
consequences which follow the violation of any similar 
pledge of sacred honor among the rest of mankind; 
consequently, no one among us is bound, in any way, 
to revenge any revelation which an unworthy member 
may make. We are not, therefore, an oath-bound in- 
stitution, nor are our obligations oaths — no jurist would 
call them such — but simply solemn pledges and cove- 
nants, wherein our yea is "yea and amen." 

§ 3. Our Regalia, Emblems, $c. 

They are denounced as childish, foolish, unbecoming 
good men and serious purposes and philanthropic 
deeds. 

An unthinking young man ridiculed a grave gentle- 
man whom he saw engaged, with soap-suds and a pipe, 
blowing bubbles in the air. Yet that ridiculed man 
was Sir Isaac Newton, who, by that seemingly childish 
employment, was ascertaining the laws of the Almighty 
in relation to light and colors ! One of our uses of 



56 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



regalia, is to teach us to beware how we judge men by 
mere appearances. * 

Possibly the objector himself wears some simple 
article, given him as a memento by a dear friend ; or 
keeps near him some seemingly unmeaning thing to 
remind him of important duties to God and man. Per- 
haps he statedly observes some ceremony, full of solemn 
teachings to his soul. However childish that memento 
or token, however senseless that ceremonial may seem 
to others, to him they are above all value, because full 
of precious memories and solemn teachings. 

Such our decorations, emblems, and forms are to us. 
The light shed on their meaning, as we advance in Odd- 
Fellowship, and their novel applications to impress on 
our minds important principles and precepts, render 
them peculiarly pleasing and highly useful. The thought- 
ful Odd-Fellow is continually reminded by them of im- 
portant duties to God and man. 

Besides this, our regalia, jewels, and some of our 
emblems are used to mark grades and stations among 
us. As such, they are not more puerile, certainly, than 
the laced coats and caps, the plumes and epaulettes of 
the military, or any other badges used among men to 
distinguish station and office. But they are not only 
our uniform, the very colors are made to teach us im- 
portant lessons and duties. 

§ 4. The Expense of Regalia, §c 

It is possible that, in some cases, more money is 
expended in furnishing our Halls and Lodge-wardrobes 
than is necessary to instruct mind and heart, to refine 
the taste, and to administer to comfort and convenience. 
As with churches and with individuals, so with Lodges 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 57 



and Odd-Fellows — the desire for display too often out- 
runs ability and utility. We will not defend any extra- 
vagance ; yea, we even condemn it, let the censure fall 
where it may. But iviihin the reasonable limits of 
ability and utility, how stands the objection to Odd- 
Fellowship on the score of useless expense for finery ? 

Our rooms should be made pleasant and comfortable 
for all classes of our members, to induce their attend- 
ance, and render the transaction of our business a 
pleasant duty. If the wealthiest are willing to abate 
some of the luxurious comforts of their homes, and learn 
the uses of simple conveniences, the poorer brethren 
should not object to some expense beyond their frugal 
accommodations, where they may learn the cares and 
proprieties belonging to a richer style of living. Even 
should it lead the humble man to aspire after more 
comforts and greater neatness than he is accustomed to 
in his own home, so as to lead to habits of more pro- 
ductive industry and economy to procure them, we do 
not think himself or family will be injured thereby. 

But, aside from this homeliest view of the subject, 
taste and propriety require that there should be a 
fitness between the means and the end. The emblems 
by which important truths are illustrated and enforced, 
should not be so clumsy, inelegant, and coarse, as to 
mar the teaching. The decorations, among which men 
meet to learn the gentlest and most beautiful practices 
of Christianity, should not be ungraceful and tawdry. 
The school for the elevation of human aspirations and 
character, should not be clad in uniforms calculated to 
drag down the imagination and belittle the feelings. 

" But if the Order aims to benefit the poor, why not 
bestow its cost in charity ?" If the owner of the Koohi- 
noor diamond, estimated worth thirty millions of dollars, 



58 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



were to sell it, to give the money to the poor, some one 
else must buy and possess it, and so become subject to 
the same reproach: "Better sell it, and give the money 
to the poor!" Could it be made to furnish well-paid 
employment to hundreds who need it, the case would 
be different. The cost of our decorations has been 
employed in giving needed labor (and by that labor, 
honorable subsistence) to hundreds and thousands of 
industrious men, women, and children. So far, then, 
it has not been expended in vain. 

"But of what utility was that labor?" When the 
humble and grateful Mary (Mark xiv. 3-9, and John 
xii. 3-8) took " a pound of ointment of spikenard, very 
costly, and anointed the head and feet of Jesus," there 
was complaint that the expensive article had not been 
sold for the benefit of the poor. But Jesus declared 
that the act had a utility worthy of its cost ; and re- 
minded them that the poor could be remembered at 
some other time and in some other manner. So, if our 
regalia and emblems tend to increase our benevolence, 
and stimulate us to greater activity in well-doing, then 
is their manufacture no idle work, their cost no useless 
expense. The food or raiment that money would have 
purchased, would, in a few months, have been consumed 
or worn out : that is, supposing that amount would have 
been furnished by its contributors, if they had not been 
incited by Odd-Fellowship, which is not certain. But 
here remain these decorations and emblems, still teach- 
ing their lessons of benevolence, continuing for many 
years their influence in leading hundreds to remember 
their poor and distressed brethren, their families, and 
the widow and the orphan. That they do this, and 
much more of good besides, we are well persuaded ; and 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 59 



bo would be the objector, could he place himself fully 
under their influence. 

" For ye have the poor with you always, and when- 
soever ye will, ye may do them good." When any sick 
or distressed brother, when any widow or orphan of a 
deceased Odd-Fellow, asks our aid and receives it not, 
because we have expended beyond our proper ability in 
decorations, jewels, or regalia, then let censure come in 
its severest form ! But till then, we trust that no Odd- 
Fellow will lack emblems to refine the taste, and instruct 
mind, heart, and hands in well-doing. 

§ 5. Our Secrecy. 

Ring what changes you may upon the suspiciousness 
of secrecy, the tendency of evil to seek darkness and 
mystery, and of good to come to the light, that it may 
be manifest, still, you will hardly contend that secrecy 
is in itself, and necessarily, a conclusive proof of evil. 
If not, then is it uncharitable to condemn any individual 
or institution on the score of secrecy alone. Now let us 
fairly understand each other. Our secrecy " hath this 
extent — no more :" — 

1st. We are secret (as every family is or should be 
secret) in regard to the personal affairs of any member 
which are submitted to us for counsel, aid, admonition, 
rebuke, or punishment. They are his secrets, not ours, 
much less the world's. And baser would we be to pub- 
lish them, than if we were to squander property or 
money that had been solemnly confided to our keeping. 

2d. We are secret (as a merchant is secret in regard 
to correspondents and customers) in concealing the 
names of informants, and their information concerning 
the character and standing of applicants for member- 



60 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



ship. We have no right, morally, to injure those who 
confide in us ; and even the laws of our country would 
punish as libel or slander the exposure of the applicant's 
faults. 

3d. We are secret (as Christ's followers are com- 
manded to be) in bestowment of donations to distressed 
brethren or their families. Unfeeling, indeed, must be 
the prying soul that would insult the relieved by pub- 
lishing their poverty in boasting of his own charity ! 
May Odd-Fellows ever be reproached for secrecy rather 
than be guilty of such unchristian conduct ! 

4th. We are secret (as every banker and business- 
man is secret) in our modes of ascertaining whether a 
stranger-applicant is a partner in those funds, a portion 
of which he is about to withdraw. Each bank or mer- 
chant has secret signs by which he knows whether the 
draft presented him is genuine. We have signs and 
tokens by which to know men, whether they are genuine 
Odd-Fellows, whether they are entitled to receive what 
they ask. A meddling, prying fellow, seeking to find 
out and counterfeit the secret signs of a trader, would 
be rewarded for his ingenuity with the contempt of all 
honest and honorable men, even if the worthy forger 
escaped the penitentiary ! Of what higher estimation 
is he deserving who impertinently seeks to possess him- 
self of the secret signs (and expose them to others pro- 
bably no honester than himself) by which we guard the 
treasury of the dependent sick and distressed, the widow 
and the orphan ? 

5th. We are secret in our forms and ceremonies of 
initiation, and the use of our emblems in the instruction 
of our members. This use renders the lessons more 
impressive ; and to disclose the mode of teaching would 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 61 



deprive the instruction of the charm of novelty, and 
impair its efficacy. 

That this is the utmost extent of our secrecy, honest 
and truthful men of all denominations among us are 
ready to testify. These secrets, then, belong to no 
individual alone, and therefore no one has a moral right 
to disclose them. They are the Order s only. They 
concern not the world, and belong not to the public. 
An individual out of the Order has no more right, in 
morals or propriety, to pry into them, or demand their 
revelation, than he has to turn eavesdropper among 
neighbors, or ask a wife to reveal the confidential con- 
versations of her husband. The disposition to acquire 
and expose the secrets of others, is as wrong as any 
iniquity it seeks to uncover : as impertinent as peeping 
into a business-man's letters or a neighbor's market- 
basket or dinner-pot. And yet there are persons — 
honest, high-minded people in all else — who have al- 
lowed this spirit so far to govern them, that they 
condemn, without evidence, every so-called " secret 
society," and pry into its private affairs, and encourage 
others to expose them to the public. Surely such 
conduct must arise from a want of due consideration of 
what is due to their own characters as honest, decent 
men ! The same principle, applied to individuals, would 
justify a clergyman for exposing cases of conscience 
confided to him by his flock ; an attorney for betraying, 
unto loss of property, character, and even life, his client ; 
a physician for disclosing the affairs of his patient, 
and all he sees and hears in the houses he visits ; and a 
military commander who informed the enemy of his 
plans of action, and the countersigns on which depend 
the security of his army ! Such anti-secrecy peopb, to 
be consistent, should have no secrets of their own, and 

6 



62 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



keep none confided to them by their families and friends ; 
should expose their most private thoughts and feel- 
ings to the public ; relate their domestic conversations 
and conjugal endearments; expose purse, pocket-book, 
and private papers at all times and places ; never vote 
a folded ticket, seal a letter, receive secret advice, 
bestow private alms, or offer secret prayer ! For, if 
secrecy is wrong, or proof of evil, all these things are 
evils. 

We will only add that, properly speaking, Odd-Fel- 
lowship is NOT a secret society. Our Constitutions and 
By-Laws, our times and places of meeting, the names 
of our officers and members generally, the amounts and 
sources of our receipts, the items of our expenditures, 
our principles and objects, the proceedings generally of 
our National and State Grand Bodies, all these are as 
public as those of any legislature or other public de- 
partment in the country. As well, therefore, might 
you call any individual or family, the United States 
Senate, or President's Cabinet, or a Grand Jury — all 
of whom have secrets — "a secret person," "a secret 
family," "a secret senate or cabinet," or "a secret 
jury," as to call us "a secret society," merely because 
we have secrets. 



§ 6. Our Uxclusiveness. 

Some complain that we do not invite all, and receive 
all who apply, without regard to sex or health; that 
we select the few, only, who perhaps least need our 
moral inculcations and pecuniary aid. If our principles 
are so moral, and our teachings so pure and salutary, 
and our objects so benevolent, why not throw our 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 63 



portals open to the world at large, and so extend to 
the utmost the utility of our principles and organization. 

The selection of a few individuals out of the mass, to 
unite them in associated efforts for the diffusion of im- 
portant principles, and to exercise them in the practice 
thereof, that they may become the teachers of others, 
appears to be the method of Divine Providence itself. 

When God determined to institute among men a pure 
worship of himself as " God of the whole earth," he 
called Abram, of Ur, in Chaldea, to be his « friend" 
and agent in the work. Revealing himself to the pa- 
triarch, he constituted him the progenitor of that 
"chosen people" who were to be the depository of 
Divine truth until the world should be prepared to 
receive and practice the mysteries of human redemption. 
Every precaution was taken to make these selected pupils 
of G-od "a peculiar people." They were to be " Odd 
Fellows" among the nations around them, not only by 
hereditary descent, but also by a singular form of 
government, a singular code of laws, and a singular 
ritual of worship, all adapted to keep them from mingling 
with other nations and adopting their idolatries. The 
decorations of their temple and tabernacle, the regalia 
of their priesthood, the emblems for their instruction, 
were all prescribed for them, even to form, color, and 
material. The mode for initiating proselytes from other 
nations was clearly defined; and certain physical de- 
fects and conditions of health were made causes of 
perpetual exclusion from "the congregation of Israel." 
Whole nations, even, on account of their mental or 
moral condition, or associations connected with their 
history, were excluded en masse. Thus prepared, these 
pupils of Jehovah gradually developed the lessons of 



G4 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Divine Providence, and became, in turn, the teacheis 
of mankind. 

When the Shiloh (according to the Christian faith) 
appeared on earth, he pursued the same system of se- 
lecting a few from the mass for the purpose of private 
instruction and associated effort. Step by step, Jesus 
advanced his Apostles in the knowledge which they 
were afterward to teach the world by example and 
precept. And when the proper period arrived, in obe- 
dience to the Master's command, they went forth and 
proclaimed openly what they had learned in secret. 

The same method was observed by the early teachers 
of Christianity, in the formation of churches of the 
faithful. And their peculiar discipline, and their system 
of mutual aid and relief among themselves, have con- 
tinued, to a greater or lesser extent, down to the present 
day. 

If we leave the theatre of special providences, we 
find the same system of selection for the inculcation of 
truth and duty adopted by the wisdom of all ages. 
The family, if we may consider it as a merely natural 
institution, is such an association. Private in its cha- 
racter, secreting from the public its dearest and holiest 
operations, it teaches its members not only those prin- 
ciples and precepts which are to be entertained and 
practiced among its own members, but those also per- 
taining to the social circle, the political gathering, the 
worshiping assembly, and the world at large. Each 
family has its peculiar modes of teaching and training, 
which it shrinks from exposing to the cold and unsym- 
pathizing curiosity of strangers. And some of these 
are secret not only to those that are without, but even 
to a portion of the household itself. 

Odd-Fellowship stands on the same general basis of 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 55 



necessity and utility in its selections and exclusions. 
It has its own mission to perform, its special principles 
and their applications to teach, and its own peculiar 
methods of culture and training. That its operations 
may be in fraternal harmony, it requires a selected 
number, qualified to aid in preparing each other for the 
proper discharge of their special and general duties to 
themselves and families, to the Order, and to mankind, 
and to God. 

§ 7. Our Exclusion of the Poor, Feeble, §c. 

It is sometimes objected to us that we pass by the 
indigent poor, and the constitutionally enfeebled, who 
most need our benefits ; whereas, if our pretensions of 
ameliorating human poverty and suffering were genuine, 
we would admit the crippled, deformed, diseased, and 
indigent, instead of excluding even the healthy poor by 
requiring of them pecuniary fees and contributions be- 
yond their ability to pay. 

As our means are necessarily limited, so must be our 
plans and efforts. "What king, going to make war 
against another king, sitteth not down first and con- 
sulteth, whether he be able with ten thousand to meet 
him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 
Or else, while the other is a great way off, he sendeth 
an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. ' ' (Jesus, 
in Luke xiv. 31, 32.) Our means of relief are but as 
one thousand compared to the vast army of suffering 
and want which we are urged to meet, and which num- 
bers its hundreds of thousands ; how, then, could we 
hope to prevail against it — how save ourselves from 
overwhelming defeat and utter loss ? We have appor- 
tioned our labor to our means ; we have selected an 

6* 



66 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



enemy of our own strength, whom we can keep at hay, 
and hope ultimately to conquer. Should we succeed, 
and still have means left, we will then enlarge our field 
and use our means for additional efforts. 

But how soon would our means be exhausted, if we 
admitted the impoverished and diseased indiscriminately 
to share in them. Or, rather, our means would never 
be accumulated, but drained as rapidly as they flowed 
into our treasury ; for there would be many to demand, 
and but few to contribute. And when those who raised 
the fund, came to need it, they would also be added to 
the unsupplied many whom even the public charity 
cannot relieve. Better, then, the constantly increasing 
good, however limited at present, than the great but 
decreasing effort which can confer but a temporary 
benefit, and must end in only another addition to the 
general misery. For, let the individual of a large 
fortune attempt to relieve all, by a lavish expenditure 
of his wealth, and he himself will soon need alms. 

That we require the poorest applicant to contribute 
as much as the wealthiest, is true, as it is a matter of 
necessity. Equality in payments is essential not only 
to equality in benefits, but also in feelings. We aim to 
abolish all considerations of wealth or poverty in our 
fraternity; to make all feel that as Odd-Fellows, at 
least, they are not only brethren, but equals. He who 
did not pay an equivalent, would feel degraded at re- 
ceiving benefits : would feel that they were not his just 
due, but alms. Under this feeling of dependence on 
his wealthier brethren, he would not feel free to act and 
speak in opposition to their wishes — would not feel that 
he had an equal right to direct the expenditure of our 
funds, or the affairs of the Order. Hence we pay the 
rich member, when sick, the same amount per week 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 67 



that we pay to our poorer brethren. "We would con- 
serve the independence of the latter, and exclude all 
feeling of moneyed superiority from the former. They 
must not only be told that all are equal, but they must 
be made to know, to realize it in every possible way, 
that they may freely act on it under all circumstances. 

Even when extraordinary events render it necessary 
to give extra aid to an unfortunate brother, it still comes 
from a fund he aided to create for such purposes, and 
to which even his wealthiest brother may be reduced to 
apply. His relief comes not, therefore, even then, from 
one or a few individuals, but from all, himself included. 

Now let us turn from defence to advocacy, from 
denial to assertion. Not only are we not exclusive in 
any bad or improper sense, but 

§ 8. Our Benefactions are General. 

The charity of Odd-Fellowship begins at home, but 
it does not operate there only. The Gospel designed 
for the whole world, began with its Founder, was ex- 
tended to his disciples, spread to the Jews, and only 
after it had been preached for several years at Jeru- 
salem, was Paul made an Apostle, and sent to preach 
its "unsearchable riches" to the Gentiles. So with 
every work of benevolence, every enterprise for the 
general good. It must have a beginning, then an en- 
larged theatre in its progress, before it can fill the 
bounds of its consummation. Girard, in his provisions 
for the education of orphans, strictly speaking, excluded 
none ; his aim was to include certain children who had 
before been excluded. From the entire mass of chil- 
dren in the world who were excluded previously, lie 
commenced selecting as large a number as the means 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



assigned would allow. He broke the total exclusion 
always existing, by a partial inclusion, designed to go 
on increasing toward a still greater inclusion as the 
means therefor should increase. 

So with any good deed. It is aiming at the general 
benefit by a breaking up of the exclusion from good, 
that previously existed. 

So with our Order. It is breaking up the exclusion 
that exists all around us, by including, one after an- 
other, as many as our means, measures, and objects will 
allow. If any thing, it is extending itself too rapidly 
and greatly. Out of the millions of men and families 
who need such instruction and aid as we provide, but 
who were excluded therefrom, we select thousands, and 
for them we break the bonds of exclusion from these 
blessings, and by them we extend these blessings again 
to other thousands still. Thus the exclusion existed 
before our Order was organized; and its operations 
have been, not to increase, but to lessen that exclusion. 
And this work it is pursuing with unflagging energy 
and unabated power, as rapidly as its means increase 
and its agencies are multiplied. If the past may be 
regarded as a prophecy for the future, so rapidly is it 
lessening the number of the excluded, and increasing 
that of the included, that a period may arrive when 
there will be no more exclusion of any. 

But there is another sense in which our benevolence 
is general. Our benefactions are not confined within 
the Order. We allude not to the donations sent to the 
famishing millions of Ireland, or distributed with liberal 
hand among the uninitiated whom general calamity had 
reduced to destitution and want. Every good deed 
performed to a single individual expands its beneficial 
effects, directly or indirectly, still further. The aided 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 69 



individual is thereby enabled to aid others : the bene- 
faction he receives, he passes along the line of humanity 
till it is partaken of by many. Then, every want we 
relieve is so much subtracted from the pressing claims 
on society at large. And every case of suffering we 
prevent, (and our prevention far exceeds our relief,) is 
so much saved from the general amount of constantly 
recurring suffering, pauperism, and crime. For we 
wait not until a brother's illness has utterly exhausted 
his means, reduced his family to want, and broken 
down his manly spirit into a tame submission to a life 
of dependence and pauperism. No ; we step in at the 
beginning of illness, and we keep afar off the utter 
poverty which might bring submission to pauperism or 
drive to crime. The aid we give is received with a 
proper dignity and self-respect, so that when ability 
returns, the family return to their usual avocations, 
blessing the Order which sustained and aided without 
bestowing alms ! Who will say that a general benefit 
is not bestowed on society at large, by this peculiar 
work of Odd-Fellowship ? 

The Friends, (commonly called Quakers,) and a few 
other religious denominations, are accounted worthy of 
double honor as members of community, because they 
not only support their own poor, so that no member of 
their churches ever becomes a public charge, but they 
also pay their full share for the support of the poor 
generally. We, also, support our own poor, and thus 
relieve the public of so much of the burden that would 
otherwise swell the demand for more taxes. And yet, 
as citizens, Odd-Fellows give in private charity and 
pay in public taxes no less than others who are sc 
ready to sneer at the « benevolence of Odd-Fellowship," 
and cry out against "the selfishness and exclusiveness" 



70 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



of the Order. Why not give our institution credit 
then, for a general as well as special benevolence ? 
Why continue to assert that our good deeds are con- 
fined to the Order, and are therefore narrow, restricted, 
and selfish? They reach out their tendrils of aid be- 
yond where the vine runs in its restricted training. 
And most of those aided by its measures and means, 
are thus taught that heavenly sympathy which disposes 
them to use the means thus furnished for the blessing 
of others in their turn. And thus good offices are sent 
around the ever-widening circle of humanity which had 
their spring in Odd-Fellowship. 

§ 9. Interference with other Institutions. 

"We have sometimes been accused of interfering with 
other institutions, assuming their duties, operating to 
their disadvantage ; placing our Order, in fact, as the 
all-in-all, even to the neglect and abandoning of the 
religious institutions of all denominations, collectively, 
"the Church." 

When the Patriarchs Abraham and Lot were some- 
what involved by the quarrelsome conduct of their 
respective herdsmen, the brave, peaceable father of the 
faithful would not allow his duties to be compromised 
by a small matter of profit or loss. " And Abram said 
to Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me 
and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen : 
for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? 
Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me : if thou wilt 
take the left hand, then I will go to the right ; or if 
thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the 
left." (Genesis xiii. 8, 9.) In the same benignant spirit 
we would say to every good institution, and every be- 



OBJECTIONS AND INQUIRIES ANSWERED. 71 



nevolent soul who may harbor a suspicion of our inter- 
ference : View the vast field of human ignorance, desti- 
tution, suffering, and crime around us. See how very 
little of the mighty void has ever been improved, or 
even disturbed by all the agencies ever set in motion. 
Does it not make the whole heart sick and the head 
faint to contemplate the almost hopelessness of re- 
lieving all that destitution and wo, and removing -all 
that ignorance and crime ? Is there not more than 
enough for us all to do ? 

Odd-Fellowship has not, cannot assume a hostile 
attitude to any religious, moral, or benevolent institu- 
tion. We war only with vice and misery. Individuals 
among us, enthusiastic in praise of the Order, may 
have incautiously claimed for it more than it merits. 
Others, alienated from institutions of religion by various 
causes, may pretend to have found in Odd-Fellowship a 
complete substitute for any or all other institutions. 
But the great mass of the Order, by their actions, have 
shown that they believe our Order to be but one among 
the many agencies of Divine Providence for the ame- 
lioration of human suffering, the removal of evil, and 
the elevation of human character. 

Says the Rev. D. W. Bristol, of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, "That the Christian Church covers the 
whole ground of human obligation, civil, moral, and 
religious, we most cheerfully admit. It is indeed 
governed by the most perfect and beneficent code which 
could have been given to the world ; one which bears 
in its unrivalled excellencies, the indelible impress of 
its Divine origin. But by such a conception, can any 
one suppose we should be justified in renouncing all 
other institutions and societies, because the constitution 
of the Church had preoccupied the ground ? What, 



72 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



then, would become of civil government, and all the 
moral institutions which have arisen legitimately out 
of this religious constitution ? Other societies are esta- 
blished and justified under the same beneficent influence, 
such as Temperance, Moral Reform, Peace, Tract, 
Christian Alliance, Seaman's Friend, and all humane 
societies — all having their constitutions and by-laws, 
boards of officers, with all the attendants of separate 
organizations, even terms of membership, peculiar to 
each. But who ever supposed that these excellent 
societies were substitutes for the Christian Church? 
It is judged, and we apprehend correctly, too, that 
although these came immediately under the rule of the 
great constitution, yet that they could be better pro- 
moted by a separate organization than in the usual 
course of moral charities : hence they were established. 
We hold, and, we think, justly, the same course of 
reasoning on the subject of Odd-Fellowship." — Golden 
Rule, Vol. III. p. 365. 

It appears to us that the duty of every true Christian 
— of every good man — is, to judge the tree by its fruits 
— every man and every institution by its works. And 
it appears to us a dictate of common sense, that the 
institution that is doing works of benevolence and 
charity cannot be obnoxious to condemnation, or con- 
sidered in opposition to any other good cause or asso- 
ciation. The beloved disciple once erred on this point 
— « Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, 
and he followeth not us ; and we forbade him, because 
he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not : 
for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my 
name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that 
is not against us is on our part." (Mark ix. 38-40.) 

We repeat it, then, Odd-Fellowship interferes with 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP — ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC. 73 



no organization of a moral, religious, or benevolent 
character. She bids a hearty " God speed" to every 
association that would rob mankind of their sorrows or 
vices ; and leaves each to manage its peculiar portion 
of well-doing in its own way and season, without at- 
tempt at interference or self-appropriation. And it 
cannot be that her lessons or labors will effect any 
deterioration of the characters or influence of her mem- 
bers, so that they will be worse men in any domestic, 
social, political, or religious circle in which they may 
move. That some few in our Order are not made better 
and wiser, is no more the fault of our teachings and 
operations, than it is of religion that some of its pro- 
fessors are ignorant, hypocritical, or vicious, in despite 
of all its holy teachings and salutary influences. "Judge 
not," then, "according to the appearance, but judge 
righteous judgment." 



CHAPTER III. 

ODD-FELLOWSHIP — ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC. 

Having given a brief history of our Order, and an- 
swered the most prominent objections usually offered 
against it, we will now give a bird's-eye view of its 
form of government, and then state definitely what 
Odd-Fellowship consists in, how it operates, and the 
advantages that may reasonably be expected from a 
union with it. 

7 



74 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



§ 1. Our G-ovemment. 

Our form of government is a peculiar one, having 
grown up, successively, as developed by our circum- 
stances and our necessities. Even the writers in our 
own Order are not agreed as to its precise character: 
one portion declaring that all its power and life flow 
from the head down through the subordinates, and 
calling it a patriarchal government ; and another por- 
tion insisting that the power and being rest in its base 
and flow upward, and calling it republican. Some 
designate it as an aristocracy, and others as being 
nearer a democracy. It will be seen, we think, that in 
its present condition, it partakes, in part, of all these 
characteristics, and is neither of them wholly: that if 
any single term can be applied to it, it might be called 
a Representative Fraternity, but of an aristocratic 
cast. 

1. The Grand Lodge of the United States is consti- 
tuted of Representatives from State Grand Lodges and 
Grand Encampments, one for each, having less than one 
thousand members, and two for each, having more than 
that number, chosen for two years, but so arranged that 
one-half retire every year. It claims supreme jurisdic- 
tion in the general laws and usages of the Order, the 
lectures, charges, and unwritten work, and as a court of 
final appeal, and is the National Legislature of the Order. 
It has power to create Grand Lodges and Grand Encamp- 
ments where none legally exist, and subordinate Lodges 
and Encampments where there are no Grand Bodies of 
that grade, and to recall the charters of the same. Its 
members must be Past Grands of the Royal Purple 
degree, and reside in the jurisdiction represented, and 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP — ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC. 75 



must also be contributing members of a subordinate 
Lodge and subordinate Encampment, in good standing. 
Its Grand Sire and Deputy Grand Sire, must, in addi- 
tion, be Past Grand Masters. Its elective officers are 
chosen every two years at the annual session, held on 
the third Monday (and week succeeding) in September, 
and usually in Baltimore. The Grand Corresponding 
and Recording Secretary and the Grand Messenger 
are the only officers who receive compensation for their 
services ; but the travelling expenses of the other officers 
in going to and from the session are paid, together with 
three dollars per day while actually employed. Grand 
Representatives receive three dollars per day, and 
five cents per mile travelled, in attending the sessions. 
Its revenues are derived from fees for Charters, the 
sale of the books and odes of the Order, and a tax of 
fifty dollars on the State Grand Bodies for each Re- 
presentative to which they are entitled, beside ten per 
cent, on the revenue of all subordinate Lodges and En- 
campments existing where there are no State Grand 
Bodies of those branches. 

2. State Grand Lodges consist of the Past Grands in 
their respective jurisdictions, (not less than five in num- 
ber,) who have received the Past Noble Grand's degree, 
and been admitted to receive the Grand Lodge degree, 
the same being contributing members of a subordinate, 
in good standing. In some Grand Lodges, the power of 
voting (except for Grand Officers) and deliberating is re- 
stricted to a certain portion of their number, chosen for 
that purpose by themselves exclusively, or by the sub- 
ordinate Lodges. But all Past Grands in good standing 
are permitted to attend the sessions, and are eligible to 
office, in Representative Grand Lodges as in others. 
Each Grand Lodge is to the subordinate and degree 



76 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



Lodges in its jurisdiction, what the Grand Lodge of the 
United States is in its province; subject, however, to 
the national head. Its revenue is derived from fees for 
charters, dispensations, and a percentage on the reve- 
nues of its subordinates. 

3. Grand Encampments are to the Patriarchal branch 
of the Order what the Grand Lodges are to the other 
branch ; are constituted of P. C. Patriarchs, (and in some 
States of P. H. Priests,) and are generally governed and 
conducted in the same manner, having supervision and 
authority over subordinate Encampments only. 

4. Encampments are constituted wholly of brethren 
who (having received the five subordinate degrees of 
the Order) have received the Patriarchal, Golden Rule, 
and Royal Purple degrees — the sublime degrees, as 
they are often termed. They must be duly chartered 
by the Grand Lodge of the United States, or the Grand 
Encampment of the State in which they exist, must 
pay a percentage of their revenue annually to the 
power under which they exist, and must submit to be 
governed by the same in all general laws and usages. 
They work only in the Royal Purple degree. And 
when a member ceases to be in good standing in his 
subordinate Lodge, his membership in the Encampment 
ceases also. They are benefit-paying bodies. 

5. Degree Lodges are chartered by State Grand 
Lodges only for the purpose of conferring degrees. 
They can hold no property beside their furniture, re- 
galia, &c. ; nor receive dues, beyond the mere degree 
fees ; nor pay benefits to their members. They are 
constituted of the members of the various Lodges in 
the vicinity, who, after being judged worthy to receive 
the five degrees, have here attained to the fifth degree ; 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP — ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC. 77 



for Degree Lodges work in the scarlet (or fifth) degree 
only. 

6. Subordinate Lodges, like subordinate Encamp- 
ments and Degree Lodges, derive their powers from 
the chartering power, and exercise no legislative func- 
tions except to make their own By-Laws, and in the 
management of their pecuniary affairs. They consist 
of free white males, of twenty-one years and upward, 
believers in a Supreme Intelligence, the Governor of 
the Universe, who having been accepted and initiated 
into the Order, continue to pay their dues, and properly 
demean themselves according to the Laws of the Order. 
Five are necessary to constitute a Lodge, and while 
that number desire to retain their charter, the Grand 
Lodge will not permit the Lodge to be dissolved. A 
member may withdraw at any time, on application, and 
by paying up all arrearages, either to unite with any 
other Lodge, or utterly from the Order. In due season, 
after initiation, he may apply for and receive certifi- 
cates entitling him to receive the first five degrees of 
the Order, for the sums and on the conditions prescribed. 
And after receiving these, he can apply for admission 
into an Encampment. All subordinate Lodges require 
dues to be paid, and pay benefits. 

After a member has served in an appointed office the 
requisite term of twenty-six nights, he becomes eligible 
to the Secretary's or Vice-Grand's chair ; and after six 
months' (or twenty-six nights') service as V. G. he is 
eligible as N. G. And after the same service as N. G. 
he is entitled to admission into the Grand Lodge to 
which he may be attached. 

The degree of Rebekah is to be conferred, in the 
subordinate Lodge, on the wives of members of the 
scarlet degree, in the presence of their husbands. It 

7* 



78 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 

requires no fee or weekly dues, and gives no claim to 
pecuniary benefits ; but makes them better acquainted 
with, and brings them into closer relations to the Order, 
besides enabling them to know, and make themselves 
known to, members of the fifth degree, when in need of 
the aid or protection of the fraternity. 

§ 2. Our Principles. 

To a good and energetic man, who will use the facili- 
ties the Order affords for self-improvement and well- 
doing, its means and advantages are so numerous, and 
its agencies so far-reaching, that our language may 
appear faint and cold compared with the reality. And 
yet we fear to speak unguardedly. We would not raise 
expectations that may be disappointed. Let it, then, 
be fully understood here, once for all, that — 

1. Odd-Fellowship is not the regalia or decorations 
of its officers and members, nor the banners and dra- 
pery of its Lodge-rooms. These have their meanings 
and uses, but they are not Odd-Fellowship. They 
should be used as not abusing them, and valued for 
their teachings ; but they could all be changed, or dis- 
pensed with, and Odd-Fellowship still remain. 

2. Nor is it its form of government. That has gone 
through great and almost total changes, (and may be 
as greatly changed again,) and yet Odd-Fellowship 
survives, essentially the same as ever in its principles. 
It is not best, therefore, to be hypercritical about any 
remaining defects in the forms in which its power is 
lodged, or the modes by which that power operates. 
These, it is true, should manifest fully the beneficent 
spirit of the Order, and conform to the institutions of 
the land, and the spirit of the age we live in, and should 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP — ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC. 79 



operate, in the most kind and effective manner, to ele- 
vate the condition and ameliorate the present wants 
and sufferings of our race. But our Order is a pro- 
gressive one : it has greatly progressed in the past, and 
progression is even now gently and yet surely at work 
in it. And, under every form of government through 
which Odd-Fellowship has passed, or may yet pass, it 
has always consisted of the same general principles, 
and wrought out the same general good. Its ability to 
conform its government and measures to its own spirit, 
is greater now than ever ; and in due season, therefore, 
all needed changes and additions will undoubtedly be 
effected. 

3. Odd-Fellowship is not its mere ritual and cere- 
monial. Whatever language may be used in its lectures 
and charges, whatever emblems, signs, or pass-words it 
may prescribe to insure the instruction and mutual 
recognition of its members, these are but means ; the 
objects they aim to effect are the ends. Instruction 
may change or alter its drapery, but the lessons taught 
— the ideas embodying the principles — these are the 
spirit and the life. It is not well, therefore, to rest in 
these outer habiliments, or to stumble at any seeming 
unfitness in them ; but to pass on and secure the reali- 
ties they unfold and impart. 

4. Nor is Odd-Fellowship even the works of the 
Order : it consists not wholly in deeds of mercy, be- 
nevolence, and brotherly love. These, it is true, are 
its genuine manifestations, without which we might pro- 
nounce it asleep or departed: these are the outward 
appearances by which it discloses its inner life and its 
true self. But to produce these works, there must be 
an interior spirit, working out for itself this living form 
and action. 



80 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



This internal, truly living spirit of Love and of univer- 
sal fraternity, pervading all our rituals and ceremonies ; 
recognized in emblems, colors, and regalia ; using every 
adjunct for strengthening its influence on the soul; 
speaking to ear and eye in every lecture, charge, sign, 
and token, and to the touch in grip and pressure; and 
manifesting itself (silently, like rain, and sunshine, and 
electricity) in beneficent organizations and institutions ; 
this soul of all its teachings and workings is Odd- 
Fellowship, the hidden name in the white stone, which 
he knoweth best who most truly possesses it. 

The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man, 
then, are the great principles of our Order, embodied in 
the mottoes thereof, " In God we trust," and "Friend- 
ship, Love, and Truth." To illustrate these principles 
on the limited scale prescribed by human abilities and 
our pecuniary resources, we have united in Lodges, 
each of which is a mutual improvement and mutual aid 
association. And further to extend our operations, and 
increase our advantages and usefulness together, we 
have united all these Lodges in a general Order, which 
we desire to render universal as the family of man on 
earth. 

§ 3. Our Objects. 

It is unfortunate for our Order, and for not a few 
of its members, that too much prominence has been 
generally given to its feature of pecuniary benefits in 
seasons of sickness and death, and pecuniary aid in 
circumstances of want and distress. This, though a 
laudable and useful trait in our operations, is hardly a 
tithe of our aims and objects. By this undue promi- 
nence of the pecuniary relief afforded, even our own 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC, 81 



members have had their attention and efforts greatly 
withdrawn from the moral and social influences which 
the Order is so eminently calculated to promote. But 
so it is : the sudden, the palpable, the material, more 
readily gains attention than the gradual, the insensible, 
and the moral. All can see the visitation of the sick, 
the relief of the distressed, the bounty bestowed on the 
widow and the orphan whose necessities called for aid; 
but few stop to estimate the suffering prevented in 
thousands of families, by relief given before poverty 
called attention to their situation. 

So men look with interested eye, and a ready appre- 
ciation of utility, on gurgling spring, and rolling river, 
and heaving ocean. But how few consider the gentle 
mist that rises in the morning sun to fall in the evening 
shower on broad prairie and in fertile valley; and, 
after working fruitfulness there, to percolate in crystal 
drops through every vein of rock and earth, until it 
shall burst forth again in cooling spring and mountain- 
rill, to feed the mighty river and replenish the briny 
deep. 

Men look at our system of weekly benefits, mutual 
relief, watchings at the sick-bed, burial of the dead,, 
and support of widow and orphan ; but their thoughts 
seldom stray beyond these to the humanizing influences 
which the performance of these deeds exerts on their 
doers ; nor yet to the social and moral tendencies of 
the other means employed by Odd-Fellowship for the 
improvement and elevation of human character. 

When the dark war-horses of the storm scud across 
the sky, shaking the rain-drops from their shaggy manes 
as they snort aloud in thunder, the electric flash is 
noticed, and all its brightness commented on. As it 
descends on lofty mansion or towering oak, shattering 



B2 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



them as in wanton sport, its effects are readily seen 
and estimated in the destruction it has caused. Even 
when human skill produces it from the battery, and 
sends it along the imprisoning wire, bearing messages 
across continent and ocean with a speed greater by far 
than that of our earth as it revolves around the sun, 
men still note its wonders, and speculate on its vast 
utility to the world. But few consider the daily, mo- 
mently effects of the same fluid in our own organism, as 
it passes from point to point, feeding the vital fires 
within, giving circulation to the fluids, movement to the 
muscles, and the power of thought to the brain. Few 
think of its constantly wonderful operations when, trans- 
fused through the atmosphere and permeating all mat- 
ter, it imparts vitality to all nature, covering the earth 
with verdure and filling it with fruitage. 

It is not to be wondered at, then, that so many, even 
among Odd-Fellows, have overlooked, or at times for- 
gotten, the most important uses and aims of Odd-Fel- 
lowship to be, the imbuing of the minds of our brethren 
with proper conceptions of their powers and capacities, 
giving them just and practical views of their duties and 
responsibilities, exhibiting their dependence upon God, 
and bringing them to a knowledge and practice of the 
true fraternal relations between man and man. And 
in this, though we begin in the Lodge, and with Odd- 
Fellows and their families, we fix no bounds or limits 
but our abilities and our means : our charity begins at 
home, but ends only with the removal of all suffering 
and distress. 

§ 4. Our Measures and Operations. 

Each Lodge is not only a Beneficial, or Mutual Aid 
Society, but also an Association for mental and moral 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP — ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC. 83 



improvement, whose meetings and operations are de- 
signed to improve and elevate the characters of its 
members. But we are farther reaching in our benefits 
than such associations usually are. All our Lodges are 
united in one common Order, so that, under certain 
simple regulations, the member of any one, when absent 
from home, can receive from any other the fellowship, 
the attention, and the relief he would be entitled to 
from his own Lodge. 

Every person who believes in a supreme intelligent 
Creator and Ruler of the universe ; who is of good cha- 
racter, sound health, the proper age and sex, and able to 
earn a livelihood for himself and family ; who has been 
accepted as a member, and contributes the stated sum 
regularly, is entitled to a certain weekly stipend during 
disability to labor, and this, whether rich or poor, at 
home or abroad. If needing more aid, he is not allowed 
to suffer. If he needs attendance at night, two watchers 
are regularly provided every night, without care on his 
part, or trouble to his family. If travelling, and he 
needs assistance, any Lodge where he may be will 
render the same services for him. If he dies, a stipu- 
lated sum is paid to his family to bury him properly, or 
his brethren attend to that duty for them. If his wife 
dies, a similar, but generally smaller allowance is made 
to pay the expenses of her funeral. If he leaves a 
family, our covenanted vows embrace their care and 
welfare in our special duties. And during life, we 
claim the privilege of observing his deportment in and 
out of the Lodge with a brother's love and watchfulness, 
that we may promote his proper interests, encourage him 
in well-doing, and correct his errors and irregularities ; 
or, failing in this after reasonable time and efforts, that 



84 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



we may save the Lodge from his evils, and his brethren 
from their bad influences. 

But it is with the restraining and reformatory influ- 
ences of Odd-Fellowship as it is with its prevention of 
poverty and physical suffering : 

" What's done we partly may compute, 
But know not what's resisted." 

Many who were inclined to narrowness of soul or 
vicious conduct, have been slowly but surely improved, 
and even entirely reformed, by the gentle influences of 
our Order; and many others, if not reformed, have been 
prevented from becoming worse by their connection with 
us : and yet one member, grossly vicious and expelled, 
has drawn on us more public animadversion than all 
these have brought us in commendation. Yea, often 
have we been condemned as encouraging the unworthy 
by associating with them, when we were laboring hope- 
fully to reform them, and associated with them to pre- 
serve them from worse influences. 

Our meetings are generally business meetings, to 
attend to the foregoing duties. But we lose not sight 
of labors to promote benevolence and charity to all 
mankind, as well as among our fraternity. In the 
transaction of our business we pursue strict parlia- 
mentary rules, that our members may be qualified for 
any public stations to which they may be called by 
their fellow-citizens. And when business has been per- 
formed, we indulge in social intercourse, and even in 
cheerful and innocent hilarity and amusement. But in 
all strict order and decorum, good-fellowship and pru- 
dence are constantly to be kept in view. 

The government and arrangement of degrees and 
stations of the Order will be further unfolded in their 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC. 



proper place, and we therefore pass them here with 
the remark that we have few salaried officers, and they 
earn all they receive. Aside from the necessary ex- 
penses of sustaining such a wide-spread and efficient 
organization, our funds are sacredly devoted and ap- 
plied to the sole objects for which they are contributed, 
and by the very persons who contribute them. 

§ 5. The Duties of Odd- Fellow ship. 

The great duties of our Order, by and through which 
we aim to improve and exalt the character of our mem- 
bers, are few in number : — 1. To visit the sick. 2. To 
relieve the distressed. 3. To bury the dead. 4. To 
educate the orphan. To these we have added, by 
charges and obligations, two others, viz., to aid the 
widow, and to exercise over each other fraternal watch, 
care, and moral discipline. 

Simple as these are they cover the whole ground, 
when viewed through our great principles. And though 
designed for special application to the Order, yet are 
they always stated and enforced in a general sense. 
The funds contributed for the use of members and their 
families only, are generally applied as designed. But 
members are never instructed that they may rest 
satisfied with performing these duties to Odd-Fellows 
alone. On the contrary, general benevolence and 
charity out of the Lodge are inculcated in it. 

§ 6. Privileges of Odd-Fellows. 

Let no one unite with the Order merely to learn its 
pecrets, wear its regalia and decorations, or insure him- 
self provision in case of sickness and distress. These 

8 



86 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



are privileges, it is true, to those who have other and 
nobler objects in view; but they cost more of labor, 
and time, and money than they are worth to the merely 
curious, vain, or selfish man. Such will find it a burden 
to perform an equal share of our duties and labors, and 
he may possibly be insured against sickness as certainly 
and more. cheaply, in a mere insurance association. 

But to one whose generous heart delights in well 
doing, and admires our principles, and desires to find 
means for increasing his usefulness to suffering man, 
our Order presents the strongest inducements. We 
open for him a field beyond the limits of his party or 
his church, as well as within it, needing his labors and 
offering joyous recompense for his toils. 

No church in its present state is extensive enough in 
its fellowship to embrace many good men who need the 
ministration of kindred spirits, nor far-reaching enough 
to reach even its own members when distant from it, and 
needing aid and protection. But if an Odd-Fellow, far 
away from kindred and home, falls down by the way- 
side, penniless and faint, he has but to inform the 
nearest Lodge, and hands are reached out to provide, 
and watchers are at his side to uphold his drooping 
frame. Or, if he falls under the cold suspicions of an 
unfriendly world, and is cast unmeritedly into a felon's 
cell, brothers are active around him with counsel, and 
labor to remove the dark web of circumstances that 
becloud his fame or endanger his life, to secure him a 
fair trial, and, if just, a proper acquittal and a safe re- 
turn to society and friends. 

In doing this, and other deeds of like kindness, wo 
interfere with no individual duty; call for no neglect 
of proper interests ; supersede no social, ecclesiastical, 
or political action. We leave every member free as 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP — ITS GOVERNMENT, ETC. 87 



before in his obligations, duties, and opinions. But we 
enlarge his acquaintance around him, and associate him 
in labor with thousands with whom he has never before 
acted. We open all around him a field for benevolence, 
in which his feet had never trod, nor his mind and 
hands labored. We increase his means and measures 
for blessing others, and thus happifying himself, by 
placing the resources of our Order at his disposal. We 
extend indefinitely his operations, so that the suffering 
and needy, at the extremities of our vast brotherhood, 
may feel the succor and share the bounty he aids in 
directing. And, by the most beautiful lessons, we in- 
struct him in those great principles which will not only 
inform his own mind and render more susceptible to 
goodness his own heart, but will enable him, if he so 
wills, to become an apt teacher and ready example to 
others, in all those virtues that adorn and bless hu- 
manity. 

"If he so wills " The sands of the arid desert as well 
as the soil of the fruitful field, drink in the sunshine and 
the rain that come from above. Pharisee and Sadducee, 
as well as the loving heart and believing soul, sit under 
the teachings of the same gospel. But how widely 
different the effects of these same influences on each ! 
So in Odd Fellowship there are those who profit not by 
precept and example ; who remain exclusive amid all its 
liberality ; selfish, in the profusion of its generosity ; 
penurious, surrounded by its charity and benevolence ; 
and vicious and hateful, though enveloped in its atmo- 
sphere of purity and loving-kindness. We say, therefore, 
"if he so wills" — for, after all, it depends on himself 
whether he will profit by our teaching and training. 

To all, then, who are willing to learn and to do good, we 
give the invitation to join our ranks. And to remove 



88 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



any lingering scruple of the conscientious, we say, 
should Odd-Fellowship tender you any obligation, or 
require of you any duty, conflicting with the duties you 
owe to God, to humanity, to your country, your family, 
or your friends, we enjoin you to leave it for ever, as 
hollow in its pretensions and unworthy the favor of 
community. 



CHAPTER IV. 

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION. 

Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, 
and it shall be opened unto you. — Matt. vii. 7. 

If you can satisfy your mind and feelings so as to 
accept the invitation with which we closed the preceding 
chapter, and if qualified to become a member, apply to 
some member of the nearest or most convenient Lodge 
for a copy of its Constitution and By-laws. Having 
carefully examined these, with such explanations as 
your Odd-Fellow friends can impart, you will know 
what is required of you, and be able to send in your 
application. 

And here, outside the threshold, Odd-Fellowship com- 
mences its requisitions. Your first step of duty is Con- 
fidence. Confidence in the principles and aims, the 
means and operations of Odd-Fellowship, as an institu- 
tution for the proper development of man's powers and 
affections, and the relief and amelioration of human 
want and suffering, — as an effort to open for man, where- 
ever he may be, a school for moral and social culture- 



APPLICATION AND ADMISSION. 89 



a home for the solace of his woes and miseries : — Confi- 
dence in the men and women generally who compose its 
vast constituency, that though frail and fallible all, and 
recreant to duty some of them may be, yet generally, 
their past deeds and progress prove them to possess 
good motives, right aims, and honest professions : — Con- 
fidence that, as a body, they will faithfully carry out 
their principles into practice in their conduct to you, to 
each other, and to the world ; and Confidence in your- 
self, that you can assume the solemn obligations and 
pronounce the solemn vows of Odd-Fellowship truth- 
fully and honestly. 

Such confidence involves a further duty, which you 
are now required to exercise — Frankness, Candor. 
5Tou ask the revelation of important mysteries — to be- 
come a partner in weighty trusts and valuable rights 
and privileges. Show yourself worthy, by the utmost 
frankness and candor in relation to all matters that 
may be lawfully inquired of yourself. Answer every 
question placed properly before you, promptly and 
truthfully, as you would those you seek should answer 
yours in due season, as you desire to be trusted and 
honored after your admission. We may say further, 
that evasion or concealment will probably be of no 
avail ; for the information required, has, in all proba- 
bility, been already obtained from other sources. Nor 
need you shrink from scrutiny, if honest and sincere, for 
no indelicate, no improper, no irrelevant or merely 
curious question will be proposed. Excepting in regard 
to your religious faith in God, and your relations to the 
Order, the questions are merely such as a health or life 
insurance company would require to be answered. 

8* 



90 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



§ 2. The Admission. 

Permit here a suggestion on a delicate subject. Re- 
jection is possible — not by any means probable, how 
ever — even to a good and proper applicant. The Lodge, 
or some of its members, may desire a further acquaint- 
ance with the temper, character, habits, or health of the 
candidate ; and so may reject him to obtain six months 
more of time. Or even personal prejudices, contrary 
to every principle and law of the Order, may induce 
some members to risk the penalty by rejecting the ap- 
plicant on those grounds alone. It is prudent, there- 
fore, in view of these possibilities, to confide the know- 
ledge of your application to no one out of the Order. 
And should you be rejected, take it meekly and quietly, 
and patiently wait your time when, if you know yourself 
to be worthy, you may apply again under more favorable 
circumstances. A rejection by no means implies con- 
demnation of your character : it is merely an expression 
of disinclination to admit you, for whatever reason ; and 
the reason may be simply a want of knowledge on the 
part of those who reject. 

But if admitted, having manifested the requisite con- 
fidence and frankness, go on your way, all attentive to 
the solemn lessons in store for you. Fear nothing, be 
appearances what they may. It is contrary to our 
usages (whatever may have been the customs of "olden 
time") to treat an initiate with levity or rudeness, or 
in any manner unbecoming the courtesy with which 
gentlemen should conduct toward each other. 

The solemnities of initiation may be novel, even 
startling by their novelty, but they are perfectly chaste, 
dignified, and serious as the lessons they are designed 



APPLICATION AND ADMISSION. 91 



to teach. They might, with perfect propriety, be ad- 
ministered in the presence of our wives, mothers, sisters, 
and daughters, so far as speech and correct action are 
concerned. Give yourself, then, passively to your 
guides, to lead you whithersoever they will. Answer 
seriously and clearly all questions proposed; obey 
promptly all directions given you : and thus keep your 
mind attentive to the ceremonial, that you may clearly 
understand its import, and receive the instructions im- 
parted in its lessons, and lay them to heart in your 
career as an Odd-Fellow. 



PART SECOND. 
IftftttiH Sttttml in tjiB (Drhr. 



CHAPTER I. 



ON INITIATIONS GENERALLY. 



I -will lbring the blind by a way they know not ; I will lead them 
in paths that they have not known : I will make darkness light be- 
fore them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto 
them, and not forsake them. — Isa. xlii. 16. 

Every Odd-Fellow should keep clearly impressed on 
his mind and heart the lessons taught at initiation. 
They are a guide to understand properly all that follows 
after, an epitomized summary of the great principles and 
objects of the Order. They contain the germs which 
after-instruction and his own practice should develop 
and mature into blossoming and fruitfulness. In one 
word, what regeneration by the word of truth is in re- 
ligion, initiation is to Odd-Fellowship. 

In this, as in many other particulars, our Institution 
has instinctively, as it were, copied after nearly all secret 
associations of a religious and moral character. "In 
Egypt, the most ancient among the ancient nations, 
an institution of this kind existed from the earliest 
period. Of the nature of that institution we know very 
little. History informs us that many benefits were sup- 
posed to be derived from a participation in the secrets 
of the society ; that those secrets were revealed only to 
92 



ON INITIATIONS GENERALLY. 



the initiated, and that the mode of initiation was well 
calculated to make a serious and abiding impression on 
the mind of the recipient. 

" Besides the Egyptian Mysteries, as they are called 
by historians, we find scattered throughout all Europe, 
and a large portion of Asia, associations founded on 
similar principles, characterized by similar ceremonies, 
and having similar objects in view. Of most of these 
our information is scanty and imperfect ; but enough is 
known to prove the identity of their origin and object. 
These were all sometimes spoken of as the Mysteries of 
the Oabiri, a name which is itself a mystery, and which 
no learning or research has yet been able satisfactorily 
to explain." 

" Among all the mysteries of the ancients, those cele- 
brated at the city of Eleusis, and hence called the 
< Eleusinian Mysteries,' are best known. These were 
copied from the Egyptian, and bore a general corres- 
pondence to all similar institutions : and hence an 
account of one is, in the main, an account of all the 
others. Not that all agreed in the particular detail of 
their practices or objects, but in their outline they 
agreed in holding similar principles for similar pur- 
poses. Now, a careful comparison of all the ancient 
rites, as they existed anterior to the Gospel, leads to 
the following conclusion. It was a leading character- 
istic of all the ancient rites, that they began in sorrow 
and gloom, but ended in light and joy ; they were all 
calculated to remind men of their weakness, their igno- 
rance, their helplessness, and their sinfulness of cha- 
racter ; of the shortness and uncertainty of life, and of 
the ills which flesh is heir to ; of the punishment of 
guilt, the reward of virtue, and the rising of the just to 
life eternal and immortal. In all, too, the mode of 



94 THE ODD FELLOW S MANUAL. 



initiation was calculated to make a deep and lasting 
impression upon the mind of the candidate. 

" For these purposes, striking exhibitions of the con- 
sequences of sin, and the pleasures of virtue, were 
presented for consideration, in sudden and striking 
contrast, and every thing was designed to impress the 
candidate with a lively sense of what was thus repre- 
sented. To these we add some other things, in which 
the ancient mysteries did in effect agree, though only 
hinted at, or slightly alluded to, in some ; while in 
others they were distinctly and clearly set forth. First 
among these was the doctrine of a new birth, or, as it 
was sometimes called, a wonderful regeneration. What 
was signified by this, has been the subject of much de- 
bate. Some have supposed that these regeneratory 
sacrifices denoted a deep conviction pervading the 
pagan world, that man had fallen from his original 
purity ; and that they were symbolical of that new birth 
which alone can fit us for heaven. Others, however, 
suppose that they contain no allusion to this, but are 
merely corrupted copies of an original religious cere- 
mony kept in commemoration of the saving of Noah 
and his family in the ark. 

" In my judgment, both are partly right and partly 
wrong. That the ancient mysteries were copies, in 
many instances corrupted copies, but still copies of a 
highly primitive rite, reaching back nearly to the time 
of Noah, and celebrating his deliverance in the ark, has 
been satisfactorily proved by learned men. Now we 
have the testimony of an Apostle, (Peter, 1st Ep. iii. 
20, 21,) that the ark of Noah, in which he was saved 
from the flood, was a symbol of that salvation which 
was signified by Christian baptism. If then, the mys- 
teries of the ancients were copies, however corrupted, 



ON INITIATIONS GENERALLY. 95 



of such an ancient and primitive rite, then they must 
also have had reference, at the beginning, to that spi- 
ritual birth signified in baptism, of which the salvation 
of Noah in the ark was also a sign and symbol. 

«I am very far, however, from supposing that this 
idea was retained in all the mysteries of the ancients. 
On the contrary, I do not find evidence that it was 
generally thought of. Upon a review of all the evidence 
on the subject, I am led to the conclusion, that every 
form of religion which does now exist, or ever has existed, 
was copied from an original, divine institution ; and 
that every form of the ancient mysteries was copied from 
some primitive and religious rite. It is true that the 
former was very greatly corrupted, and the meaning of 
the latter lost sight of; but this does not affect the 
question of their origin. And I must express my most 
thorough conviction, that there was enough retained in 
these symbols, even among the most corrupted, to lead 
the mind of a devout and reflecting man away from 
their outward meaning to their original and spiritual 
signification. 

" If, now, we follow down the history of these ancient 
mysteries, until the religion of the Cross had been pro- 
claimed throughout the world, we shall find them essen- 
tially changed in their religious character ; no longer 
professing to convey religious blessings or spiritual 
privileges, but holding out promises of such advantages 
and benefits as men can afford to their fellow-men, but 
still inculcating virtue by the highest and strongest 
sanctions. We might, would time permit, follow down 
the history of the associations to the present time, and 
should thus find that, from the earliest ages to the pre- 
sent day, there have been similar associations founded 
upon the same general principles, with similar rites and 



96 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



ceremonies, and with similar objects in view. Yet the 
rites and ceremonies have not been the same ; for mem- 
bership in one would not introduce a person into any 
other. Such an investigation, also, would show us that 
these rites and ceremonies were originally of a religious 
character, copied, in the first instance, from a divine 
institution, and that for ages they were mighty agents 
in preserving and perpetuating a knowledge of the 
truth, both as regards God and man."* 

The great German poet and philosopher, Goethe, in 
the following Ode, traces an analogy between the ini- 
tiation in a Lodge (undoubtedly Masonic, but equally 
applicable to one of our Order) and human existence. 
Its mysterious beauty will speak to every heart; but 
the initiated will feel it most, as they will understand 
it best : — 

THE LODGE. 
$ 

TRANSLATED BY THOMAS CARLYLE. 

The worker's ways are 
A type of existence, 
And in his persistence 

Is as the days are 

Of men in this world. 

The future hides in it 
Good hap and sorrow ; 
We still press thorough — 

Naught that abides in it 

Daunting us — Onward! 

* "Associations for Benevolence, Ancient and Universal: a Dis- 
course delivered in Trinity Church, New Haven, September 2, 1842 ; 
being the Third Anniversary of the I. 0. 0. F. of Connecticut. By 
Rev. A. B. Chapin, M. A." Copied from the Covenant for January, 
1843 ; the learned Author's numerous notes and authorities being 
omitted, as of little use to the general reader. — A. B. G. 



OF INITIATION. 97 



And solemn before us, 
Veiled, the dark portal, 
Goal of all mortal. 

Stars silent o'er us — 

Graves under us silent. 

But heard are the voices — 
The voice of the sages, 
The worlds and the ages. 

Choose well ; your choice is 

Brief, and yet endless. 

Here eyes do regard you 
In eternity's stillness ; 
Here all is fulness, 

Ye brave, to reward you ; 

Work, and despair not. 

With these introductory remarks on the general aim 
and teachings of all ceremonials of initiation, we are 
prepared, I trust, to understand more clearly the mys- 
teries, lessons, and duties inculcated in our initiatory 
rites, and their application to the degrees which follow 
after. 



CHAPTER II. 

OF INITIATION". 



1. A thoughtful man's first entrance into a Lodo-e, 
unknowing what there is to be transacted, is a serious 
event. There, for a time, he is to be isolated from 
general society, in a retreat sacred to benevolence and 
peace, away from the world, with its selfish toils and 

9 



98 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



cares, its factitious distinctions and social vices, sur- 
rounded wholly by those who have vowed to devote 
their lives to fraternity in Odd-Fellowship. His object 
is to learn their principles, to assume their vows, to 
unite in their labors. That he may do so properly, 
they require him to pass through rites which shall teach 
him his present condition as a social being, and the 
primary principles of the condition he is about to enter. 

2. Consider, then, the social state of man without 
knowledge and practice of those relations which bind 
him to his Creator and his fellows. How isolated his 
position ; how surrounded by the plarkness of ignorance 
on every side; how feeble, helpless, dependent, in a 
world that appears adverse and antagonistic ! If he 
find a guide, he knows not whether to trust or doubt 
him ; and he is yet in such need of one that he follows 
whithersoever he is led. 

3. Himself bound, by his ignorance and fears, in the 
indurating fetters of selfishness, he knows not that any 
have more light and freedom than are his ; and yet, not 
fully realizing his own need of both, he may marvel if 
told that nearly all mankind are in darkness and chains 
which they neither behold nor feel. It is not until 
some voice greets his ear with a promise of instruction, 
that he begins to conceive that the chaos around him 
may be resolved into order, the discord to harmony. 
This conception leads him to desire that wisdom which 
shall shed light upon his darkness, and unravel the 
perplexities which bewilder his soul. 

4. And yet the first ray of light will but increase the 
apparent gloom ; for it will exhibit more strongly the 
vanity of human pursuits and possessions, the brevity 
of life and the certainty of death, and all life's evils 
fearfully aggravated and increased by the strifes, dis- 



OF INITIATION. 99 



cords, and dissensions which flow from human ignorance 
and folly, and end at last in death itself. 

5. Yet contemplate the scene. From all that gloom, 
light will shine forth to guide aright. It will humble 
human pride. It will awaken compassion for others. 
It will arouse the soul to a just sense of its responsi- 
bility to God, and its duty to man. It will fill his heart 
with a salutary horror of that monster, SlN, whose 
power has arrayed man against his fellow-man, and 
washed the earth with tears and deluged it in blood. 
It will bid him beware that his own heart does not 
cherish moral evil, that bane of happiness and peace, 
that fountain of discord and strife, that inflictor of 
guilt and shame, and wo and death, which must reign 
until men learn to obey the law of truth and love, and 
the earth is filled with righteousness and peace. 

6. As he thus realizes his own mortality, its possible 
nearness, and his own dependence and helplessness, he 
will the more willingly ponder the ties that bind him to 
the woes and sufferings of all around him, and joyously 
look forward to that bright era when all these woes and 
pains shall be banished by the prevalence of benevolence 
and peace, by the reign of brotherhood and love ! Then 
"the Lord shall judge among the nations, and shall re- 
buke many people; and they shall beat their swords 
into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks : 
nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither 
shall they learn war any more."* 

7. Even animals would seem to be blessed in the 
change. " The wolf, also, shall dwell with the lamb, and 
the leopard shall lie down with the kid ; and the calf, and 
the young lion, and the fatling together, and a little child 

* Isa. ii. 4. 



100 THE ODD-FELLOWS MANUAL. 



shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed ; 
their young ones shall lie down together, and the lion 
shall eat straw like the ox."* 

8. And such a period may be expected on the ground 
of man's origin and nature, also. For God "hath 
made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all 
the face of the earth, "f 

9. Let him not wonder that he is yet unable to 
behold steadily this light through surrounding dark- 
ness. Man advances gradually in light and knowledge. 
But how can he apply these principles of fraternity so 
as to enlighten and liberate his own soul, then enlighten 
the darkness and break the bonds of others, and so 
hasten the coming of that age when this Aceldama 
shall be a blossoming Paradise, and clashing interests 
and jarring strifes give place to a universal union of all 
energies for the general good, to a community of happi- 
ness and peace ? 

10. Let him hear the voice of Antiquity, speaking 
through the lips of the aged and wise ; it will utter the 
lessons of goodness and wisdom acquired by experience 
and observation. Righteousness secures present pro- 
vision and protection as well as future prosperity and 
safety. " Godliness (t. e. God-likeness) is profitable unto 
all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of 
that which is to come. "J The Psalmist therefore truly 
declared, "I have been young and now am old; yet 
have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed 
begging bread. "§ 

This teacher of past ages also says that Friendship, 
Love, and Truth are not only a safeguard, but a remedy 
for all the social and moral evils that afflict our race, 

* Isa. xi. 6, 7. f Acts xvii. 26. 

J 1 Tim. iv. o. % Psalm xxxyu. 25. 



OF INITIATION. 101 



Remember well this great lesson — forget it not. Ad- 
vance in it, that further instruction may unfold its ap- 
plications to our duties and our wants. 

11. Good- conduct only, not mere professions and 
seemings, can procure the esteem and confidence of the 
good and wise. But let the Odd-Fellow add to good- 
ness, prudence. Let caution watch his lips and his 
ways. We" would say to him : « Bestow not your con- 
fidence too hastily. Be just to yourself as well as 
generous to others. Be just especially to those who 
confide in you. Keep their secrets more carefully even 
than your own. Watch over their interests, and pro- 
mote their welfare with the unsleeping vigilance of a 
sentinel in the presence of armed enemies. Not only 
do not wrong a brother, but never allow him to be 
wronged, if in your power to prevent it or warn him. 
Fidelity in duty, honesty, then, is the duty of all in 
our singular fellowship ; the honesty of a warm heart 
and a sound mind; honesty to those without and those 
within ; honesty to yourself and all around. For we 
are Odd-Fellows only when we act and speak like 
honest men." 

12. This learned, and a new light will break in upon 
he mind, and the heart beat more freely. The outside 
«eeming is known not to be the inward reality. The 
•yorld may move in a vain show, each man striving to 
lisguise himself from others, often even from himself. 
But in our Lodge-room we expect brethren to lay aside 
the deceitful mask, and look each other lovingly in the 
eyes, knowing and known of each other as they are. 
Let those who unite with us learn that the homely garb, 
the rude appearance, the rough form, often encloses an 
unruffled conscience and a humane heart, while the 
costly dress, the polished manners, and the courtly 

9 * 



102 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Bpeech often hide a heart festering with corruption and 
black with selfishness and cruelty. "A man may smile, 
and smile, and be a villain still." Be not deceived, 
then, by the exterior appearance of men and things, 
but wait, and learn, and "judge righteous judgment." 

13. Keep in remembrance the signs and words im- 
parted to you, to enable you to enter these courts, and 
to recognize and be recognized of your brethren. 
Trifling as they may seem to some, they are the key to 
our treasures and our mysteries. And in their use, re- 
member that they are pledges of secrecy to .the brother- 
hood from you, and to you from us. Remember also, 
that the Omniscient One observes your every dis- 
charge of duty and use of privilege. Let your hand, 
then, be open as day to greet a brother with frankness, 
or to aid him with cheerfulness and love. Show due 
courtesy to your brethren, and salute respectfully 
those who preside over the Lodge, as the representa- 
tives of the Lodge itself. 

14. The forms through which you have passed are 
not what they seem to many. Under each act and 
emblem there is deep significance. So in life. Apply 
your instructions there, and every thing becomes vocal 
with wisdom. The eyes blinded by the darkness of a 
dungeon, are naught to the blindness of the moral sense 
obscured by indulgence in selfishness and sensuality. 
The fetters on a martyr's limbs, what are they to the 
chains which evil passions and bad habits impose on the 
inner man, and whose iron does indeed enter the soul ? 
May your initiation and consequent practice aid in re- 
leasing you from all blindness of moral vision, set you 
free from the fetters of ignorance and error, and bring 
you from a death in selfishness into a life of active 
benevolence and virtue. 



OF INITIATION". 103 



15. Odd Fellowship is a miniature representation, 
among a chosen few, of that fraternity which God has 
instituted among men. Few as are those who would 
represent it, the great principle is wide enough for all. 
On the broad platform of brotherhood, all nations, 
parties, and sects can meet and freely mingle in offices 
of needed kindness and mutual well-doing. Fraternity, 
therefore, is the corner-stone on which our forefathers 
based our Order ; fraternity in the family of mankind, 
illustrated in our family, the Lodge, and the Order. 
As all men have God for their Father, all are brethren ; 
and we would illustrate this great fact in all our offices 
of mutual aid, relief, sympathy, and benevolence. 

16. Recognizing the Fatherhood of God, Odd-Fel- 
lows bring not into a Lodge the classifications of human 
society without. No high, no low, no great, no small, 
no rich, no poor, no nation, party, or sect do we know 
among us. All are one, all fellow men, all brethren. 
As one family we meet together, to counsel and aid in 
measures for the relief of distress, for mutual instruc- 
tion, watch-care, and fellowship, and for the discipline 
and improvement of character. An altar dedicated to 
such offices must be served with clean hands and sur- 
rounded with pure hearts. All discord and strife, all 
alienation of heart must be kept away from our meet- 
ings. And yet while we exclude all party and secta- 
rian distinctions from our Lodges, we require no sacri- 
fice of opinions, no loosening of obligations to Church 
or State, no swerving from principle, no lessening of 
devotion to God. On the contrary, we teach that no 
man can be a good Odd- Fellow who neglects any duty 
he owes to his Creator, his family, his country, or his 
fellow-man. 

17. But guard against a too common error. Ours is 



104 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



not a mere beneficial society, nor designed only to 
aid its members in danger and distress. Great and 
good as are these, they are more our means than our 
ends, By associating together for benevolent purposes, 
we hope to improve and elevate the characters of our 
brethren, to enlighten their minds, to teach them their 
capabilities for usefulness, to expand their affections, 
that they may not "give up to party what was meant 
for mankind." In one word, all our operations are de- 
signed to lead each other to the knowledge and practice 
of the true brotherhood of man. 

18. Believing that every one we thus receive and in- 
struct will be benefited thereby, we gladly greet each ini- 
tiate as a brother beloved, and welcome him with fraternal 
grip to the obligations and privileges of our beloved Order. 

19. Remember that when on the surging waters of 
human life, far from haven and from home, you may 
summon any brother to your aid. But forget not, also, 
that the obligation is mutual. When you are sum- 
moned, you also are bound to fly and save your perish- 
ing brother from sinking in despair. 

§ 2. Regalia of an Initiate. 

The regalia of a newly-initiated brother is a white 
apron only. 

Without any ornament of colored fringe, its simplicity 
and purity well denotes the position of its wearer in the 
Order. The primary principles of Odd-Fellowship, 
blended in the one, great, all-including principle o£ fra- 
ternity, are his ; but only in the germ, waiting the un- 
folding of blossoming and fruitfulness. The elementary 
lesson has been imparted ; but it is not yet made appli- 
cable as a means to acquire the abstruser lessons which 



OF INITIATION. 105 



follow. He has the materials : it is his now to apply 
them in detail, until their utility shall create for them 
every desired ornament, every needed grace and virtue. 

§ 3. Emblems of the Initiatory Degree. 

The emblems usually connected with this first stage 
of our Order, are the following : 



1. The All-seeing Eye. — " The eye, enveloped in a 
blaze of light and glory, reminds us that the scruti- 
nizing gaze of Omniscience is ever upon us ; that all 
our thoughts, and words, and actions are open to His 
survey; that Jehovah searcheth our hearts and trieth 
our reins ; that we cannot hide ourselves from his view, 
even though we ascend to Heaven, go down to Hades, 
or seek a dwelling place in < the farthest verge of the 
green earth.' It instructs us that, although, to our 
clouded minds, thick darkness is round about Him, yet 
lie dwells in unapproachable light, and looketh kindly 



106 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 

down upon man, providing for his wants; and, in the 
minuteness of His care, numbers all the hairs of our 
heads. It is therefore our duty to live and act as 
under the eye of our All-seeing Judge, who will bring 
us into judgment for all our proceedings. Nor do we 
forget the important implication from this emblem, that 
from Him, whose eye is ever upon us, we receive every 
mercy, and are bound to render Him our warmest 
thanks, and confide in His future munificence. Hence 
the motto written beneath the eye — < In God we 
trust. 



' "* 




2. The Heart and Hand. — The heart in the open 
hand denotes candor, frankness, sincerity. There is no 
concealment of feelings and purposes. There is cor- 
diality in its greetings and its pressure. It is " open 

* From a public Address delivered before the Order in Richmond, 
Va., in 1841 ; and published in the " Odd-Fellow," for January, 1842 
published in that city. The quotations on the Emblems in the. re- 
mainder of this work are from the same source. — A. B. Gr. 



OF INITIATION. 107 

as day to melting charity," at the voice of suffering and 
distress. It giveth with good-will, knowing that "the 
Lord loveth a cheerful giver." Hence "the heart and 
hand imply, that when the Odd-Fellow greets his bro- 
ther, the welcome proceeds from the heart. He extends 
not the right hand of fellowship, while the left hand 
holds the assassin's dagger. His salutation is not fol- 
lowed by a thrust at the vitals of his kinsman ; but his 
heart is with his hand ; and what the one in love dic- 
tates, the other in alacrity performs."* 







3. The Axe and the Three Links. — " The Axe con- 
veys to our minds the wholesome truth, that as the 
trees of the forest must be cut down, and fall before 
the progress of civilization, with a view to convert the 
wilderness into a fruitful field, so must the Axe of 
Divine Truth, which is laid at the root of the tree, cut 
down every evil plant and poisonous tree, before our 
fellow-men can be brought under the influence of benevo- 

* " Odd-Fellow," for January, 1842. 



108 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



lence. And it admonishes us to labor for the completion 
of this work : to lay the axe at the root of every tree 
that bringeth forth not good fruit, and cut it down."* 
In many Lodges, it was (and is yet) customary to collect 
special donations for the needy and distressed, on this 
emblem, which had painted on the side presented for 
the donation, the heart in hand. 

" The Three Links remind us that the only chain by 
which we are bound together is that of < Friendship, 
Love, and Truth;' and that we are obligated, by the 
most sacred considerations, to violate neither of these 
principles."! 




. - - - 




4. T7ie Skull and Crossed Bones. — This emblem is 
designed not only to teach us that we are " of the earth, 
earthy," and that unto the dust we must return, but 
also " that we are obligated to commit the mortal re- 
mains of a departed brother carefully to the tomb ; 

* « Odd-Fellow," 1842. f Ibid. 



OF INITIATION. 



109 



that we are bound to cherish a lively recollection of hia 
virtues, and to bury his imperfections with his body, 
beneath the clods of the valley."* 







5. The Bee-Hive. — What a beautiful emblem of the 
power of association, order, and industry in the pro- 
motion of good works ! As in heraldry the good quali- 
ties only are counted, and the evil dropped, so in this 
emblem we see only what is good and worthy of imi- 
tation. Subordination and good government, proper 
distribution of tasks and labors, gathering sweets from 
even the refuse of life, and honey from poisonous weeds, 
and unity of purposes and works for the interests and 
welfare of all. It thus '" admonishes us to avoid indo- 
lence, and wisely improve our time. It teaches us the 
important lesson, that if we would pass the winter of 
our age in comfort and cheerful abundance, we must 
improve the summer of our being under the guidance 
of economical and well-directed industry."* 



* " Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



flbid. 



id 



110 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



§ 4. Conduct of a New Member. 

A sense of propriety will, of course, withhold an 
initiate from taking an active part in the proceedings 
of his Lodge on the night of his initiation. The By- 
Laws of many Lodges expressly prohibit his voting 
until he has been a member for one week. Let him, 
then, be careful to observe what must appear to him the 
odd ways of transacting business and exchanging cour- 
tesies in the Lodge-room, that he may learn their use 
and meaning, and acquire facility in their performance. 
After one, or at most a few evenings, he will understand 
well his position, and be prepared to discharge its 
responsibilities. 

Aim to become a ivorking member. There is gene- 
rally enough to do for all who attend the meetings and 
are willing to work. Signify, therefore, your readiness 
to serve the Lodge in any capacity that may be as- 
signed you, and then wait patiently until your services 
are required. 

If called to serve in any office, or on any committee, 
inform yourself well in regard to the duties thereof, and 
the best modes of performing them. Apply to the 
principal officers or oldest members of the Lodge for 
such information, if not found in our books or periodicals 
within your reach. Then devote yourself earnestly to 
the work assigned you. You will thus be useful, not 
only to the Lodge and the Order, but to yourself. Wo 
always get some good when we do good. 

But you will find your knowledge of the Order, and 
your sphere of action in it, quite circumscribed, until 
you advance further in its gradations. As soon, there- 
fore, as the proper probation has elapsed, apply for the 



OF INITIATION. 1]] 



degrees. The qualifications for obtaining these, vary 
a little in the different States. In general, a member 
is required to have been an initiate three months before 
he can receive the first and second degrees, a month 
more before he can receive the third and fourth degrees, 
and then a month more before he can receive the fifth 
degree. The prices of the degrees also vary in the 
different States. In some Lodges, also, the benefits 
during sickness or disability are increased as the mem- 
bers advance in the degrees. The Constitution and 
By-Laws of your Lodge will give you all needed and 
correct information on these particulars. In some cases, 
the degrees are conferred earlier by dispensation ob- 
tained from the Deputy Grand Master of the District. 

The mode of applying for the degrees usually is, to 
deposite the amount required for the certificate, with 
the Secretary of the Lodge, and then procure a brother 
to prefer your request in open Lodge, at the proper 
season. On this request a ballot is had, at which none 
can vote but those who have received the degree applied 
for, and if favorable, (as it is sure to be if the applicant 
is an active, well-behaved member, and duly qualified,) 
the certificate is granted. 

The officers or older members of the Lodge will gi^e 
you the requisite information for further proceedings, 
which vary according to the usages of different State 
Grand Lodges. But in no case will you find any diffi- 
culty in comprehending the steps to be taken, or in 
complying with the required forms. 



112 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



CHAPTER III. 

OF THE FIRST, OR WHITE DEGREE. 

1. Having acquainted yourself with the elementary 
principles and general objects of the Order, and exer- 
cised yourself in its measures and operations, as none 
but the initiated can do, you can judge your ability to 
fulfil any further similar engagements into which you 
may be required to enter as you advance, and whether 
the obligations imposed by a further development of 
our principles would prove burdensome. The gratifica- 
tion of mere curiosity will hardly compensate you for 
the duties you will thus assume. A higher aim, the 
love of the beautiful, the good, and the true, can alone 
yield you a full equivalent for your expenditure of 
money, time, and labor. 

Having decided these questions, and obtained the 
requisite certificate, you are prepared to advance a step 
in extending your hand for the relief and comfort oi 
the fraternity throughout the world. 

2. Remember what was before taught you of our 
general principles, and of the necessity of their prac- 
tical application in our Lodges. No man is so isolated 
as not to have some fellow-beings in whose joys or suf 
ferings he sympathizes. In ministering to the wants 
of his family or friends, he is taught the dependence of 
man on his fellow-man. But, unhappily, » the cares of 
this world or the deceitfulness of riches" too often 



OF THE FIRST. OR WHITE DEGREE. 113 



blunt our natural sympathies. As one beloved object 
after another is removed, the affections contract ; or as 
the desires of the merely animal man are ministered 
unto overmuch, the heart becomes callous, and misan- 
thropy or selfishness renders us more indifferent to the 
woes of mankind. Hence the importance of association 
for philanthropic purposes, that we may keep alive our 
humanity, and enlarge the sphere of our affections and 
sympathies, by continual exercise. By such associa- 
tions, the combined operations of the many are rendered 
more effective ; and all, acted upon by emulation in 
good works, are rendered more zealously active in well- 
doing, and thus the world is benefited, and ourselves 
improved and blessed. 

3. The bonds of our fraternity draw us together in 
our Lodges ; they induce us to feel and relieve each 
other's distresses ; they lead us to console the afflicted ; 
they render our assemblages the image of a family of 
brothers ; they make us respectful to those in authority ; 
they teach us obedience to reasonable requirements ; 
and they gladly constrain us to give advice and support 
to those who labor to promote the welfare of our Order. 

4. Our laws teach us respect for ourselves, temper- 
ance in our desires, chastity of person, and purity in 
heart and mind. Drunkenness is a worse than beastly 
vice. It deprives man of his reason ; it disqualifies 
him for business ; it wastes his substance ; it ruins his 
health ; it subverts his morals ; it destroys his domestic 
happiness and peace ; it overthrows his character and 
influence ; and if it cuts not short his life, it makes his 
old age a scene of beggary, disease, and shame. Tin- 
chasteness in feeling, thought, and conduct are as cause 
and effect ; and if the former are not subdued, the 
latter will follow. It is no less disastrous to self-respeefc, 

10* 



114 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



to health, to fortune, and to reputation, than intemper« 
ance in food and drink. 

"The sacred lowe o' weel-plaeed love, 

Luxuriantly indulge it ; 
But never tempt th' illicit rove, 

Though naething should divulge it: 
I waive the quantum o' the sin, 

The hazard of concealing ; 
But, och ! it hardens a' within, 

And petrifies the feeling." Burns. 

"Be temperate, therefore, in all things." 

5. Our laws extend the love of self-good to the love 
of mankind. The chief attributes of our fraternity are 
Benevolence, Brotherly Love, and Charity. 

Benevolence, or the willing of good, is the spring of 
all kindly emotions and exertions for others. Its pos- 
sessor desires to assuage the woes of the sorrowing; to 
heal the wounds of the afflicted ; to infuse strength into 
the weak by his words and example, and to relieve the 
distressed from his abundance. 

Brotherly Love craves the strengthening influence of 
frequent association, and increases by the interest thus 
created in each other's welfare, and by mutual labors 
to promote each other's happiness. United in morality 
as well as in honor, our secrecy can be no cloak for 
evil ; no seducing lure to sensuality or vice ; but merely 
a means to increase our zeal and unite and strengthen 
our energies for well-doing, and to guard us from im- 
position. It makes us powerful for good ; but disunites 
and weakens us when we would use it for evil. The 
laws of God which regulate our conduct, we urge on all 
around us, especially that comprehensive law, reaching 
far as man is found, "Whatsoever ye would that 



OF THE FIRST, OR WHITE DEGREE. ] 15 



OTIIEftS SHOULD DO TO YOU, DO YE EVEN SO UNTO THEM." 

Acting thus in our affiliation, strengthens the ties of 
our friendship, and widens and deepens the foundations 
of our Brotherly Love. 

Charity applies Benevolence and Brotherly Love to 
near and immediate use, and projects them far and 
wide into society around us. While it incites us to 
minister to the needy and suffering of our Lodges, it 
also embraces the human race in its desires and efforts. 
It is patient, persevering, and enduring. Though un- 
worthy objects may deceive us, and abuse our aid, yet 
it will not suffer us, on that account, to cease pitying or 
neglect relieving other and more worthy objects who 
may come after them. Thus evinced, we feel that "it 
is more blessed to give than to receive." Like Mercy, 
its quality 

"is not strain'd; 
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven 
Upon the place beneath ; it is twice blessed ; 
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes : 
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes 
The throned monarch better than his crown ; 

* •?«■ -X- * * * X 

It is an attribute to God himself." 

The charitable are, indeed, "imitators of God, as 
dear children." The relieved are monuments of their 
goodness, and their own souls are filled by the All-Good 
with a joy which the selfish or cruel never know. Re- 
spected by all, and beloved by the poor, the home of 
the charitable is the abode of peace and contentment. 
He can say, « When the ear heard me, then it blessed 
me ; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me : 
because I delivered the poor that cried, and the father- 



116 THE ODD-FELLOWS MANUAL. 



less, and him that had none to help him. The blessing 
of him that was ready to perish, came upon me ; and I 
caused the widow's heart to leap for joy."* With "a 
conscience void of offence toward God and man," he 
lives in the esteem of the good ; gray hairs are to him 
a crown of glory ; and his departure from earth is but 
a translation to a blissful immortality. 

5. Fidelity to these principles and practices will, 
indeed, constitute you a member in this onward step of 
our beloved Order, make you an honored pillar in our 
temple, a blessing to community, and an ornament of 
society in all your relations thereto. 

§ 2. Regalia of the First Degree. 

The regalia for a brother of this degree is a ivliite 
collar and -white apron, both of which may be trimmed 
with white ribbon or fringe, and ornamented with a white 
rosette on the collar ; and on the apron any emblems of 
the initiatory or of this degree. The color of your 
regalia, and the emblems of this degree generally, will 
remind you that the purity and innocence required in 
your initiation are still to be maintained in connection 
with the more active and enlarging duties to which this 
advance conducts you. 

§ 3. Color of the First Degree. 

The color of this degree is white, and has its special 
as well as general significancy. It refers to Faith, 
especially in its practical form, Fidelity, as well as 
Purity. An able writer, from whom we shall have fre- 

* Job xxviii. 11-13. 



OF THE FIRST, OR WHITE DEGREE. 117 



quent occasion to quote, in « The Covenant and Official 
Magazine of the Grand Lodge of the United States," 
February number for 1842, says of the color of this 
degree : — 

"White has ever been regarded as emblematic of 
purity and sincerity. Thus in the Apocalypse it is 
said, (Rev. ii. 17,) <• I will give him a white stone, and 
in the stone a new name written, which no man knowethj, 
saving he that receiveth it.' < He that overcometh, the 
same shall be clothed in white raiment.'* (Rev. iii. 5.) 
Near the Capitol at Rome, stood the temple of Fides. 
When the priests offered their bloodless sacrifices to her, 
their faces and hands were shrouded in white cloths, 
thereby intimating that faith, or fidelity, should be 
close and secret. She is called by Virgil, (iEn. i. 292,) 
< Cana Fides,' probably because candor is essential to 
fidelity. One of the symbols of this goddess was a 
group of two young virgins clad in snowy vestments, 
and joining hands ; which act signifies a pledge of faith 
for future friendship. In physics, white is a result of 
the union and reflection of all the primary rays of light : 
hence it is metaphorically used to signify a collection 
and reflection of those graces and virtues which adorn 
and dignify the character, "f 



* With due deference to this learned correspondent of the Official 
Magazine, I think these quotations have reference to persistent or 
victorious fidelity of the recipient, rather than his mere purity or 
sincerity. The white stone and the white raiment are the reward of 
him that overcometh. Fidelity unto victory is therefore signified by 
this color, which is well bestowed on the initiate whose fidelity in 
his first probation has entitled him to receive this degree.— A. B. G. 

f Covenant, vol. 1, p. 70. 



118 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



§ 4. Emblems of the Fust Degree. 
The emblems usually assigned to this degree, are— 




=^ife-->^ 



1. The Lamb. — It " suggests to us the importance of 
personal innocence and purity, and forcibly reminds us 
of the Paschal Lamb under the Law, and of Christ, « the 
Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.' 
It reminds us, also, that we are the sheep of God's 
pasture, and the objects of his peculiar regard."* 



2. The Shining Sun. — As it shines alike for all, it 
teaches us impartiality in our general benevolence. 
And as no clouds or mists that pass over its disc, sully 
its brightness or dim its glory, it instructs us to bear 
with patience and equanimity whatever storms deform 



* Odd-Fellow, 1842. 



OF THE FIRST, OR WHITE DEGREE. 



119 




our atmosphere, or gloomy circumstances that may 
surround us, knowing that they cannot dim the peace 
of our souls if we harm not ourselves. 




3. The Globe in Clouds.— "The Globe instructs us 
that the world is the field of our benevolent enterprise ; 
that our brethren are scattered over the face of the 



120 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



earth; and that from whatever nation they come, if 
misfortune visit them, they must not solicit our aid in 
vain."* Thus enveloped in clouds, on which the sun is 
shining and dispersing them, it has also a special mean- 
ing. So Odd-Fellowship is dispersing the mists from 
the advancing member's mind, and revealing things as 
they are. So, also, it is enlightening a world in partial 
darkness as to the true relations man bears to his 
Creator and to his fellow-man. As the initiate ad- 
vances in these principles, and learns from this emblem 
their universality, and that he is to apply their light 
and warmth wherever human ignorance needs the one, 
or human wo the other ; and as he beholds the dark 
clouds already beginning to roll away from the globe, 
and the cold mists disperse, he has already a prelibation 
of that period when the whole earth shall bask in the 
light of God's truth, and reflect back, with gratitude 
and praise, its radiance and its glory ! 



CHAPTER IV. 

OF THE SECOND, OR COVENANT DEGREE. 

1. Having evinced a willingness to enter into any 
proper obligation within your ability to perform, you 
are now presented with an opportunity of entering into 
a still closer and more precious covenant with your 
brethren. 

2. The first degree treats mainly of Charity as mani- 

* Odd-Fellow, 1842. 



OF THE SECOND, OR COVENANT DEGREE. 12 1 

fested in Benevolence and Brotherly Love. The great 
lesson of this degree is to show the application of that 
principle in the action of mutual counsel, relief, and 
sacrifice, according to our peculiar measures of cove- 
nanted love. But before we enter on the special obli- 
gations of this degree, permit some quotations from 
Holy Writ, to show that such a covenant as ours has 
the Divine sanction. 

3. SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

1 Samuel xvii. 57, 58, and xviii. 1-4. — And as David returned from 
the slaughter of the Philistine, [Goliath,] Abner took him, and 
brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 
And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, young man ? And David 
answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse, the Bethlehemite. And 
it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, 
that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jona- 
than loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and 
would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan 
and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and 
gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, 
and to his girdle. 

4. But Saul's envy at the superior praises lavished on 
David by the people, begat bitter enmity in his heart 
against the shepherd warrior, and led him to make 
several attempts to take the life of David. After 
which we read — 

1 Samuel xix. 1-7. — And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to 
all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul's 
son, delighted much in David ; and Jonathan told David, saying, 
Saul, my father, seeketh to kill thee. Now, therefore, I pray thee, 
take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, 
and hide thyself: and I will go out and stand beside my father in 
the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee ; 
and what I see, that I will tell thee. And Jonathan spake good of 

11 



122 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 

David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin 
against his servant, against David ; because he hath not sinned 
against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very 
good. For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, 
and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel : thou sawest it, 
and didst rejoice ; wherefore, then, wilt thou sin against innocent 
blood, to slay David without a cause ? And Saul hearkened unto the 
voice of Jonathan : and Saul sware, As the Lord liveth he shall not 
be slain. And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan showed him all 
those things : and Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his 
presence as in times past. 

5. But soon the evil spirit again came upon Saul, 
and his attempts on David's life compelled the young 
man to flee to Samuel in Ramah. And being pursued 
there by the malice of the king, we read — 

1 Samuel xx. 1-23. — And David fled from Naioth in Kamah, and 
came and said before Jonathan, What have I done ? what is mine 
iniquity ? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my 
life ? And he said unto him, God forbid ; thou slialt not die : behold, 
my father will do nothing, great or small, but that he will show it 
me ; and why should my father hide this thing from me ? It is not 
so. And David sware moreover and said, Thy father certainly 
knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not 
Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved : but truly, as the Lord liveth, 
and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. 
Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will 
even do it for thee. And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to- 
morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king 
at meat : but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the 
third day at even. If thy father at all miss me, then say, David 
earnestly asked leave of me, that he might run to Bethlehem, his 
city ; for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family If he 
say thus, It is well ; thy servant shall have peace : but if he be very 
wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him. Therefore thou 
shalt deal kindly with thy servant ; for thou hast brought thy ser- 
vant into a covenant of the Lord with thee : notwithstanding, if 
there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou 
bring me to thy father ? And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee : 



OF THE SECOND, OR COVENANT DEGREE. 125 



for if I knew certainly, that evil were determined by my father to 
come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee ? Then said David to 
Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee 
roughly ? 

And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the 
field. And they went out, both of them, into the field. And Jona- 
than said unto David, Lord God of Israel, when I have sounded 
my father about to-morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, 
if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and 
show it thee ; the Lord do so, and much more to Jonathan : but if 
it please my father to do thee evil, then I will show it thee, and send 
thee away, that thou mayest go in peace ; and the Lord be with thee 
as he has been with my father. And thou shalt not only, while yet 
I live, show me the kindness of the Lord, that I die not ; but also 
thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house forever ; no, not 
when the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David, every one from the 
face of the earth. So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of 
David, saying, Let the Lord even require it at the hand of David's 
enemies. And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he 
loved him : for he loved him as he loved his own soul. Then Jona- 
than said to David, To-morrow is the new moon ; and thou shalt be 
missed, because thy seat will be empty. And when thou hast stayed 
three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place 
where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and 
shalt remain by the stone Ezel. And I will shoot three arrows on 
the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark. And behold, I will 
send a lad saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto 
the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them ; then 
come thou : for there is peace to thee, and no hurt, as the Lord liveth. 
But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond 
thee ; go thy way : for the Lord hath sent thee away. And, as 
touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the 
Lord be between thee and me forever. 

6. The plan thus devised was put in execution. We 
have the result in the following : — 

1 Samuel xx. 85-42. — And it came to pass in the morning, that 
Jonathan went out into the field, at the time appointed with David, 
and a little lad with him. And he said unto his lad, Run. find .oui 

11* 



12G THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow 
beyond him. And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow 
which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, 
haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and 
janie to his master. But the lad knew not any thing : only Jonathan 
and David knew the matter. And Jonathan gave his artillery unto 
the lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city. And as soon 
as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and 
fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times; and 
they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David ex- 
ceeded. And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as 
we have sworn, both of us, in the name of the Lord, saying, The 
Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed 
forever. And he arose and departed ; and Jonathan went into the 
city. 

7. Much as has been said of the devoted friendship 
of Damon and Pythias, in the days of the tyrant Dio- 
nysius, of ancient Syracuse, it may be doubted whether 
its tenderness and fidelity equalled that which bound in 
one life, as it were, the hearts of David and Jonathan. 
The heathen friends were of the same station in life; 
but the Jewish friends were of almost opposite con- 
ditions at its commencement. David an humble shep- 
herd; Jonathan a prince, distinguished in arms, and 
the heir of Saul, the Hebrew king. The tyrant who 
menaced the heathen friends was a stranger to them 
in blood ; but the jealous and bitter enemy of David 
was Jonathan's own father, whom, in all else, the noble 
son reverenced and obeyed. And yet, notwithstanding 
their wide difference in rank, Jonathan honored and com- 
forted his persecuted shepherd-friend, and defended his 
character against the suspicions of his vindictive sove- 
reign. And when the kingly wrath would no longer be 
restrained, he entered into the most solemn, intimate 
covenant with David, by which they vowed to sustain 
and aid each other even unto death. "Jonathan loved 



OF THE SECOND, OR COVENANT DEGREE. 127 



David even as his own soul." And when Jonathan fell 
on the field of battle, David not only poured out to his 
memory one of the sweetest, tenderest elegiac bursts of 
poetry ever devoted by the living to the dead,* but he 
extended his attachment to a maimed son of his friend, 
giving him a home in his own house, and bestowing on 
him the large inheritance of Saul. 

8. Such is the covenanted friendship we would esta- 
blish in this degree; such the obligations we would 
mutually cherish: to consider each other as friends, 
as brethren in soul, whom we would aid and support in 
affliction and persecution ; whom we would rescue from 
impending peril caused by mere imprudence, the evil 

* It is worthy a place in this connection: — 

" The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places ; how are the 
mighty fallen ! Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of 
Askelon ; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the 
daughters of the uncircumcised triumph ! Ye mountains of Gilboa, 
let there be no dew, neither let there be rain upon you, nor fields 
of offerings ; for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, 
the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. 

"From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow 
of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not 
empty. 

" Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and 
in their death they were not divided : they were swifter than eagles : 
they were stronger than lions. 

"Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in 
scarlet, with other delights ; who put ornaments of gold upon youi 
apparel. 

" How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle ! Jona- 
than, thou wast slain in thy high places ! I am distressed for thee, 
my brother Jonathan. Very pleasant hast thou been unto me. Thv 
love was wonderful : passing the love of women ! How are the 
mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!" — 2 Samuki, i. 
*9-*?7. 



128 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



designs of enemies, or mere accident; whose advantage 
and interest we would point out to him, when so doing 
does not conflict with our duty or the rights of others. 
And in such covenanted love, we would also aid his 
family, vindicate his reputation, and save his property, 
person, or life, when in our power, and consistent with 
our other obligations to God and man. 

9. Such covenants may be condemned by the unso- 
cial, the cold-hearted, and the worldly wise. But 
though they should not be lightly entered into, neither 
should they be utterly rejected. They are needed in a 
world like ours, where wrong and affliction so greatly 
prevail. The man strong in health and confident in 
prosperity to-day, may be helplessly weak in adversity 
and illness to-morrow. No one, therefore, is above the 
need of such covenants, none so lowly that they cannot 
perform some of their duties. We would unite the 
good and the true of all classes and conditions, in one 
great covenant of friendship for the benefit of all. 

And such covenants have the sanction of the wise and 
good of all ages. God himself made a covenant with 
Noah, and set its token in the heavens as a testimony 
to after generations. He also made a more solemn one 
with Abraham, by which that patriarch became known 
as "the Friend of God." Similar was his covenant 
with the Jewish nation. And among men they seem 
essential to society itself; for man's necessities ever 
create mutual dependence, and call for mutual sympathy 
and support. Labor has them, Commerce has them : 
they are made on the ocean and on the land, where- 
ever man goes or dwells ; and in all the concerns of 
nations and of individuals. 

But we would infuse into ours more of the heart and 
its kindly feelings : more of that inner life which shall 



OF THE SECOND, OR COVENANT DEliMEK. ['29 



give it a greater influence for virtue and humanity. 
We would make it a covenant of deep, fervent, mutually 
sustaining friendship, such as cemented David and 
Jonathan, pledging life-long devotion and kindness on 
the altar of honorable affection, and based on the great 
foundation-truth of human brotherhood. And by such 
covenant "we would illustrate and make better under- 
stood this universal relation of man to his Maker 
and his fellows. For, oh, how sadly unnoticed, how 
grievously neglected are even its lightest claims and 
lowest applications by the world at large ! Breaking 
bread to the hungry, holding the cup to the thirsty lip, 
watching by the sick-bed, succoring the needy, clothing 
the naked, taking the outcast under the domestic roof, 
how few do this heartily, especially when the object is 
an alien to their country and a stranger in blood ! Yet 
they, also, are children of our Father in heaven, and 
our brethren. 

Our covenant is to extend these principles and in- 
crease these practices, by a practical illustration in our 
fraternity ; to extend them in the world around us, and 
thus break down the barriers that keep man from feeling 
for his brother man. We obligate ourselves, not to 
shield or countenance each other in wrong-doing of any 
kind, but to realize, as far as possible, in our associa- 
tion, those benefits which would enure to the world 
were the souls of all men as truly united in the bonds 
of true benevolence as were the hearts of Jonathan 
and David in their covenanted friendship. 

§ 2. Regalia of the Second Degree. 

The proper regalia of this degree is a white collar and 
a white apron, both trimmed with pink fringe or hue. 



130 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



They may be ornamented with any of the emblems of 
this or the preceding grades ; and a rosette of white and 
pink may be worn on the collar. 

§ 3. Color of the Second Degree. 

The color of this degree is pink, on which the cor- 
respondent of "The Covenant," before quoted from, 
(under the White Degree,) beautifully remarks : — 

"Pink was the hue by which the ancients repre- 
sented youth and modesty. It denotes, in poetry, the 
spring-time of life, when faith is the most confiding, 
the affections most vigorous, and friendship is most 
constant. Nature herself seems to have dictated the 
choice of this ray as figurative of those very qualities 
with which the imagination has coupled it. In the 
prismatic spectrum, the red ray (of which pink is but a 
modification) is the most calorific and least refrangible 
of all: the moral parallel is, our covenant love should 
be ardent, and never turn from its purpose."* 

§ 4. Emblems of the Second Degree, 

The emblems usually assigned to the Second, or Cove- 
nant Degree, are : — 

1. The Bundle of Rods. — This memento of a dying 
parent to his sons, to inculcate the necessity of union 
among them, speaks no less strongly to our larger 
family. Bound together by its bands, it constantly 
reminds us of the strengthening power of " Friendship, 
Love, and Truth," which unite* in one common bundle 
of principles, interests, labors, and objects, the numerous 



* "Covenant" for February, 1842, p. 70. 



OF T1IK SECOND, OR COVENANT DEGKEE. 



131 




individuals of our vast brotherhood. It " shows us the 
importance of union in our benevolent endeavors. As 
one of the bundle could be easily broken, so one member 
of our Fraternity could be easily dissuaded and dis- 
heartened in the work of mercy ; and as the bundle of 
rods cannot be easily broken, so our members united 
may surmount great obstacles, rise superior to all diffi- 
culties, and prosper in their efforts to do good; and, 
having done all, stand firm and unmoved amid opposi- 
tion."* 

2. The Arrows. — To the Odd-Fellow, these weapons 
of war are emblems of peculiar means to preserve from 
danger and to maintain peace. They are not to be 
used as instruments of destruction or injury to any 
thing but evil and wrong ; but for benefit and salvation. 
They "refer to the plan adopted by Jonathan to apprise 
David, whom he loved with a fondness more than wo- 
man's, of his good or ill fortune from the hand of Saul. 



* "Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



132 



THE ODD-FELLOW S .MANUAL. 




And they teach us that every laudable effort should 
be put forth to save a brother from the wrath of an 
enemy."* 




3. The Quiver and Bow. — These « remind us of the 
ancient mode of warfare, of the conquest of the Patriarch 
Jacob with his bow, and the friendship of David and 



* "Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



OF THE SECOND, OR COVENANT DEGREE. 133 

Jonathan. The Bow calls upon us to trust in Him who 
caused the bow of Joseph to abide in strength. Its 
name reminds us of the Covenant ratified with Noah, 
of the < rainbow round about the throne ;' and awakens 
in our bosoms confidence and joy."* The Quiver, as 
the receptacle whence are supplied the arrows used to 
secure peace and safety, teaches us that we should be 
ever ready to watch over a brother's welfare, and to 
render him due service. 





4. The Rainbow. — This, God's own selected Token, 
is one of the most beautiful of Nature's emblems, as it 
is the most expressive of those chosen by our Order. 
It reminds us of God's covenant with Noah for the 
safety of the earth and mankind ; and of ours with our 
brethren, to serve them with ardent love and steadfast 
purpose. When it appears on the clouds in the heavens, 

* "Odd-Fellow," 1842. 
12 



134 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL, 



"ail woven with light," the true Odd-Felloe will read, 
not only its general language with feelings of admira- 
tion and gratitude to Him who set it there as a sign 
and a token, but its special meaning also, with a heart 
warming with increased love to his covenanted brethren, 
and strengthening with firm resolves to render them 
service, with the devotion and fidelity which he confi- 
dently expects from them in his hour of need or peril. 

The beautiful Song by Mrs. S. J. Hale, which will be 
found among the Odes and Music near the close of this 
volume, will be especially appreciated by our Brother- 
hood. 

5. Jonathan and David at the stone Uzel, which we 
give as one of our embellishments, is so common a pic- 
torial representation on our banners, in our Lodge deco- 
rations, and in the books and papers of our Order, that 
it has almost passed into an emblem of our Order. But 
though not an emblem of the Order, it is a highly 
suggestive representation of a trial and proof of that 
devoted friendship which our Covenant Degree is de- 
signed to cherish, and to stimulate into steady activity 
among our brethren. The selections of Scripture we 
have given, so fully explains it, that further remark is 
needless. 



OF THE THIRD, OR ROYAL BLUE DEGREE. 137 



CHAPTER V. 



§ 1. Object of the Third Degree. 

1. There is a progressive harmony and consistency 
in the teachings of our ritual, which may be overlooked 
by the unobservant brother as he passes through the 
several degrees. The first degree teaches the loveliness 
of charity, as manifested by a benevolent heart, feeling 
good-will to all, and warm sympathy for the afflicted. 
The second degree teaches the devotion of fraternal 
love in a covenant for mutual relief. The third degree 
exhibits the same friendship, not as expecting mutuality 
of benefits, but self-sacrificing, tested by adversity, 
exercised toward brethren who may be strangers, though 
members of the great family of Odd-Fellowship. 

2. The strongest test of that mutual, disinterested 
regard, is adversity. "Prosperity makes friends, ad- 
versity tries them," is a motto no less true than ancient. 
In prosperity, gratitude for gifts or expectation of 
favors, may call forth warm professions, and we may 
deceive even our own hearts with a belief of disin- 
terested regard for each other. But adversity tries 
these professions, and removes all self-imposed disguises. 
A call to give up ease or property, or risk life or repu- 
tation to serve a friend, will test the value of your 
professions and the depth of your attachments. Genuine 
friendship abides this test, meets sacrifice with firm 
icsolve, and smiles encouragement in the darkest hour. 

12* 



138 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



3. Among the worthies named in Holy Writ, the 
great lawgiver of the Jews illustrated such friendship 
on the largest scale, in behalf of his entire countrymen. 
We present him, then, as an illustration of the principle 
taught in this degree, and constituting its main obli- 
gation. 

4. The eventful life of this extraordinary man, fur- 
nishes many of the symbols and emblems of our Order, 
the use of which impresses on the mind the virtues he 
illustrated, and incites us to copy his laudable example. 
His moral law has become the basis of law and morals 
for the civilized world, and is the regulator of our con- 
duct. His strict reverence of the Great Supreme we 
deem peculiarly worthy of our imitation. And his 
command in regard to his distressed brethren, should 
be adopted by us in reference to ours, and be religiously 
observed by every brother of this degree : — " And if thy 
brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee, 
then thou shalt relieve him ; yea, though he be a stranger 
or a sojourner, that he may live with thee."* When 
you behold his want, or hear his cry of distress, let his 
appeal to Heaven find in you God's agent to minister 
rescue or relief. 

5. But the Jewish lawgiver is not the only example 
nistory furnishes of disinterested, self-sacrificing friend- 
ship. Heathen nations, even, have felt its beauty and 
illustrated its excellence. Damon and Pythias have 
already been referred to. The mythology of Greece 
furnishes some probable instances of an early anti- 
quity; and its history relates not a few others among 
its bravest warriors. Homer seems to consider such an 
affection, on the part of Achilles, to a fellow-chieftain, 

* Leviticus xxv. 35. 



OF THE THIRD, OR ROYAL BLUE DEGREE. 139 



necessary to the perfection of bis character. And 
among the Romans, some of their most distinguished 
citizens were held in high esteem for having manifested 
such friendships. But, as before remarked, Moses 
exemplifies the principle of self-sacrificing friendship 
in a high degree and to a great extent. The more the 
Jews were oppressed and contemned, the stronger grew 
his love ; and the higher himself was exalted to wealth 
and honor, the more willingly did he sacrifice his 
emoluments and prospects, to serve his people, to share 
their afflictions, and to deliver them from bondage. 
Delicately reared in a luxurious court, educated in all 
the learning of the Egyptian monarchy and priesthood, 
adopted as a member of the royal family, and favored 
with the highest honors and brightest prospects, still 
his heart was with his humble kindred, and yearned 
toward his degraded and oppressed countrymen. And 
he voluntarily gave up all the worldly advantages of 
his station, and devoted life and reputation to share 
the afflictions, and break the bonds, and exalt into a 
great nation, the Hebrew people, " choosing rather to 
suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy 
the pleasures of sin for a season ; esteeming the re- 
proach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of 
Egypt."* So steadfast, so devoted, was the sentiment 
of fraternity that united him with his race ! 

§ 2. Regalia of the Third Degree. 

The proper Regalia of the Third, or Royal Blue 
Degree, is a white collar and a white apron, both 
trimmed with a light blue ribbon or fringe. They maj 

* Hebrews xi. 25. 



140 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



be ornamented with any of the emblems of this or the 
preceding degrees ; and a rosette of white, pink, and 
blue may be worn on the collar. 

§ 3. Color of the Third Degree. 

The name of this degree declares the color thereof — 
Royal Blue. The writer quoted from, on the colors of 
the previous degrees, says of this — 

"Blue is the characteristic color of the Third De- 
gree. I have already showed that the Roman mythology 
arrayed Friendship in white, and that Love was clothed 
in pink ; popular usage has assigned to blue the repre- 
sentation of Truth.* Thus, in the order of graduation, 
we present to the eye an allegorical display of the three 
cardinal virtues of Odd-Fellowship, Friendship, Love, 
and Truth. The azure vault of heaven, and the deep, 
blue sea, are also employed to symbolize Truth. In 
conformity with this exposition, and tending to sub- 
stantiate its correctness, is the vocal concomitant of 
the P. S. (sometimes called the S. of D.) of this degree, 

in . which the letters or words , when 

simply considered, are an appeal for the truth as well 
as of the urgency of our condition and desires. Beau- 
tifully apposite with its ideal use is the chemical effect 
of the blue ray : when it is made to fall for some time 
on the needle, the rod acquires polarity, and points 
<-true to its mysterious attraction in the chambers of 
the north. "f 

* Of Truth in action, rather than knowledge. Ho say of an indi- 
vidual, "he is true blue," signifies that he is stanch in purpose, and 
unfearing of difficulties or dangers in doing his duty or serving his 
friends.— A. B. G. 

f "Covenant," 1842. 



141 



§ 4. Emblems of the Third Degree. 

The symbols and emblems usually assigned to tho 
Third, or Royal Blue Degree, are — 




1. The Rod. — This is to remind us of that which the 
Jewish Lawgiver stretched forth in the various wonders 
he wrought for the deliverance of his people, to teach 
us the virtues he exercised, and the friendship he illus- 
trated. The Rod is an emblem of authority and power ; 
and, in its secondary senses, of correction, discipline, 
and support. Hence it is spoken of as a soother and 
sustainer — "Thy Rod and thy staff they comfort me," 
said the Psalmist. Probably the long rod or staff used 
in travelling over rocky and mountainous paths was 
intended in this case. This would make it an emblem 
of the support which a brother should yield to those 
called to pass through trying changes and great ditli- 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



culties. The true brother of this degree is ever such 
a comforting rod, in God's hands, to the weak, the way- 
worn, and the afflicted, steadying their steps and bearing 
their burdens. 

2. The Ark of Noah. — This reminds us of the pre- 
servation of that family, when the whole race perished ; 
and admonishes us to heed every Divine admonition, 
and seek every refuge of grace provided for us. 




3. The Dove. — In connection with the foregoing, 
» the Dove calls to mind the salvation vouchsafed to 
righteous Noah, and the faithfulness of God in relieving 
the anxiety of his soul, by sending a harmless messenger 
with an emblem of continued favor. And it assures us 
that, if we keep God's commands, we shall behold, amid 
all the storms and tempests of life, tokens of the Divine 
approbation, and receive the visits of the celestial mes- 
senger, the Holy Spirit."* The dove is also an emblem 
of innocence, and of fond, constant affection. 

* "Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



OF THE THIRD, OR ROYAL BLUE DEGREB. 143 




4. The Serpent. — This represents "the brazen ser- 
pent erected by Moses, according to God's direction, to 
heal the Israelites when bitten by the fiery serpents 
sent among them to chastise them for their sins." 
The New Testament makes the brazen serpent em- 
blematical of the crucifixion of Christ, for the healing 
of the sins of mankind. The serpent is an oriental 
emblem of wisdom, as the dove is of innocence ; and 
with the tail held in its mouth, forming a circle, it was 
used by the Egyptians and other ancients to represent 
eternity. 

Note. — The method of proving a brother, or of being proved, 
taught in this degree, should be carefully remembered as of the 
highest importance in guarding against imposition. We would re- 
commend those who have just received this degree, to go over it 
repeatedly with some well-instructed brother whom they know to be 
in possession of it 



144 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



§ 5. Concluding Bemarks. 

The three degrees received, have put you in pos- 
session of peculiar means for conferring and receiving 
benefits for and from your brethren in the Order, 
even when they are utter strangers to you, and you to 
them. But forget not that every privilege has attached 
to it a corresponding obligation resting on you to make 
it a privilege to your brother also, when he requires it. 
If he is bound to give you timely warning of danger, to 
caution you against your own imprudence or the evil 
designs of others, or to risk his property, life, or reputa- 
tion in a lawful effort to rescue yours ; you are no less 
bound to him, to render like offices in the day of trial, 
need, and peril. That demand may never be made; 
but when made, may it not find you faithless to obliga- 
tion and recreant to duty ! 

The less trying but equally important and more fre- 
quently needed duties of ministering to the sick and 
needy, have thus far been faithfully fulfilled by our 
brotherhood generally; indeed, so far as my informa- 
tion extends, I might say, universally. The dreaded 
cholera, small-pox, ship-fever, and other malignant 
diseases, whose terrors have turned hearts to stone, and 
paralyzed even the domestic affections, have been met 
with calm resolve by numerous Odd-Fellows in various 
sections ; and stranger-brethren, deserted by conductors 
of public conveyances, have been housed, and tended 
with care, rescued from inhumanity and disease, and 
restored to their families and friends, when, had it 
not been for our noble institution, they must have 
miserably perished by the wayside, and been hurried 
to unnoted graves ! 



OF THE FOURTH, OR REMEMBRANCE DEGREE. 145 



Nor have the still more frequent duties — fit prepara- 
tions for these rarer events — attention and aid to the 
brethren of our own vicinities, been less faithfully and 
devotedly performed. Thus may it ever be — and more 
faithfully, more abundantly, as the Order grows in 
numbers, and increases in means, and extends abroad 
in the world ! 

"No altars smoke, no offerings bleed, 
No guiltless lives expire ; 
To help a brother in his need 
Is all our rites require. 

"Our offering is a willing mind 
To comfort the distress'd ; 
In others' good our own to find — 
In others' blessings blest. 

" Go to the pillow of disease, 
Where night gives no repose, 
And on the cheek where sickness preys 
Bid health to plant a rose. 

" Go where the friendless stranger lies 
To perish in his doom ; 
Snatch from the grave his closing eyes, 
And bring his blessing home. 

" Thus what our heavenly Father gave, 
Shall we as freely give ; 
Thus copy Him who lived to save, 

And died that we might live." Hampson. 



13 



146 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



CHAPTER VI. 



§ 1. Object of the Fourth Degree. 

1. A brother who has studied well and practised 
faithfully the principles of the preceding degrees, is pre- 
pared and worthy to enter into the obligations of the 
Degree of Remembrance. 

2. All the preceding had reference to the principles 
of human brotherhood as applied to the members of the 
Order especially. This degree extends it to universal 
love — that sentiment, that fact which extends beyond 
and underlies the distinctive ties of nations, communities, 
parties, sects — to mankind, the great Brotherhood. 
Every influence that paralyzes goodness, contracts 
sympathy, limits affection, and generates the exclusive- 
ness which characterizes clannishness, partyism, and 
selfishness, comes from a disregard of this great prin- 
ciple. Man forgets or overlooks the fact that his fel- 
low-man is a being like himself, and that the interests 
of each are interwoven with the welfare of all. "We 
would therefore urge our brethren to acquaint them- 
selves with man as man — with man every where. The 
minor or limited affections for self, for family, for party, 
for country, are very good, and beautiful, and useful ia 
legitimate operation as they are natural. But they 
are not "the be-all and end-all" of the soul's duty in 
love. "Every man is the centre of the universe of 
souls, and the first circle is his own family. It is truly 



OF THE FOURTH, OR REMEMBRANCE DEGREE. 147 



said that < charity begins at home.' All good affections 
must begin in the centre ; but the defect in general 
practice is, that they do not travel extensively."* 
These inner affections are not inconsistent with the 
outer, not opposed to the universal. The love of 
mankind and the citizenship of the world coexist with 
the most ardent affection for family and fatherland. 
We should remember, then, that mankind is our family, 
the earth our country, and the race our nation also. 
Yea, we should even go further. As all, of every 
grade, station, and clime, are one with us in nature, and 
all alike immortal, ours is a family of soul or spirit, and 
not of mere flesh and blood, and we are citizens of the 
universe. If men could but be imbued with this fact, 
so as to act upon it, the lesser affections would not be 
weakened, but would grow stronger in the strength of 
the larger ; and happier families and more loving 
nations would banish clashing interests, discordant feel- 
ings, hoary prejudices and wrongs from our earth, and 
make the world a Paradise. 

3. Revelation is explicit in making the love of man 
the prerequisite to even the love of God. " But whoso 
hath this world's goods, and seeth his brother have 
need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from 
him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ?" Again, 
" If a man say, I love Grod, and hateth his brother, he 
is a liar : for he that loveth not his brother whom he 
hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not 
soen?"t 

4. The following beautiful little poem, by Leigh Hunt, 
also teaches that we must love the visible, before the 

* Autobiography of Rev. A. C. Thonias, p. 133 J 

1 John iii. 17, and iv. 20. 



148 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



love of the Invisible can grow up in the soul ; that he 
who loveth truly his fellow-man will also love God, the 
Father of all humanity. 

ABOU BEN ADHEM. 

ATbou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase !) 
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, 
And saw within the moonlight in his room, 
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, 
An Angel writing in a book of gold. 
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, 
And to the presence in the room he said, 
" What writest thou ?" The vision raised its head, 
And with a look made of all sweet accord, 
Answer'd, " The names of those who love the Lord." 
" And mine is one ?" said Abou. " Nay, not so," 
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low, 
But cheerly still, and said, "I pray thee, then, 
Write me as one that loves his fellow-men." 
The Angel wrote, and vanish' d. 

The next night 
It came again with a great wakening light, 
And show'd the names whom love of God had blest, 
And lo ! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest. 

5. Not only is this degree designed to impress uni 
versal love on the mind, but also the teachings of Divine 
Wisdom contained in the Book of Books, in connection 
with the lessons imparted in the preceding degrees. 
Hence we term it the Degree of Remembrance. The 
following selections from the Bible may serve to show 
the importance of acquiring that Wisdom, and of per- 
forming the duties it enjoins. 

6. SCRIPTURE LESSON. 
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to knoii 
understanding ; for I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law 
— Prov. iv. 1, 2. 



OF THE FOURTH, OR REMEMBRANCE DEGREE. 149 



That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep 
knowledge, my son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my 
commandments ; for length of days, and long life, and peace shall 
they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee : bind them 
about thy neck ; write them upon the table of thine heart ; so shal* 
thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and 
man. — Prov. v. 2, and iii. 1-4. 

Hear, for I will speak of excellent things, and the opening of my 
lips shall be of right things. For my mouth shall speak truth, and 
wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my 
mouth are in righteousness, there is nothing froward or perverse in 
them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to 

them that find knowledge "Wisdom is better than rubies, 

and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared with 

it The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, and arro- 

gancy ; and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel 
is mine, and sound wisdom : I am understanding ; I have strength. 

The Lord passed me in the beginning of his way, before his works 
of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever 
the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth ; 
when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the 
mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth : while 
as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part 
of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was 
there ; when he set a compass upon the face of the depth ; when he 
established the clouds above ; when he strengthened the fountains of 
the deep ; when he gave to the sea his decree that it should not pass 
his commandment; when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 
then I was by him, as one brought up with him ; and I was daily his 
delight, rejoicing always before him: rejoicing in the habitable part 
of his earth ; and my delights were with the sons of men. 

Now, therefore, hearken unto me, ye children ; for blessed are 
they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse 
it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my 
gates, waiting at the post of my doors. For whoso findeth me 
findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he that sinneth 
against me, wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love 
death.— Prov. viii. 6-14 and 22-36. 

All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye 
even so to them ; for this is the Law and the Prophets. 

13* 



150 THE ODD-IELLOW'S MANUAL. 



Thou shalt love the Lord thy God "with all thy heart, and with all 
thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great com- 
mandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself. 

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them 
that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and per- 
secute you ; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in 
heaven ; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, 
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them 
which love you, what reward have ye ? Do not even the publicans 
the same ? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more 
than others ? Do not even the publicans so ? 

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven 
is perfect. — Matt. vii. 12; xxii. 37-40; and v. 44-48. 

7. The above are but a few of the inculcations of 
Divine "Wisdom and Divine Love. In their spirit, per- 
form your duties to yourself and to your neighbor. 

(1.) Deal justly. Deal justly with yourself, your 
family, your friends and acquaintances, and with man- 
kind. 

Consider well your obligations to promote the public 
welfare and advance the improvement of mankind ; for 
all such labors will redound to your own good ; but a 
drone in community is a curse to himself and a burden 
to others. 

(2.) Be temperate. Be temperate in using the gifts 
of God's temporal bounteousness. Use, "as not abusing 
them." Be temperate in indulging the passions of 
your mind, and in using the physical powers of your 
frame. Be temperate in exercising even your rights, and 
your privileges and authority. With the same prudence, 
form your opinions, express your thoughts, and seek 
the gratification of your lawful desires. But especially 
be temperate, and govern thoroughly your appetites. 
" Wine is a mocker ; strong drink is raging ; and who- 
soever is deceived thereby is not wise." "He that 



OF THE FOURTH, OR REMEMBRANCE DEGREE. 151 



loveth pleasure shall be a poor man ; and he that loveth 
wine and oil shall not be rich." "Be not among wine- 
bibbers, among riotous eaters of flesh ; for the drunkard 
and glutton shall come to poverty, and drowsiness shall 
clothe a man with rags." "Who hath wo? Who hath 
sorrow ? Who hath contentions ? Who hath babblings ? 
Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of 
eyes ? They that tarry long at the wine ; they that 
seek mixed drink." "Better is a little with the fear 
of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith." 
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a 
stalled ox and hatred therewith." 

(3.) Be loving. Be loving unto all, but especially 
to the suffering and needy. " Love is the fulfilling of the 
law," " the bond of perfectness," and of it it is written — 
" Charity suffereth long and is kind ; charity envieth 
not ; charity vaunteth not itself; is not puffed up ; doth 
not behave itself unseemly ; seeketh not her own ; is 
not easily provoked; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but re- 
joiceth in the truth ; beareth all things ; believeth all 
things ; hopeth all things ; endureth all things. Cha- 
rity never faileth." 

§ 2. Regalia of the Fourth Degree. 

The prescribed regalia of the Fourth, or Remem- 
brance Degree, is a white collar and a white apron % 
both trimmed with a green fringe or ribbon. They 
may be ornamented with any of the emblems of this, or 
of any of the preceding degrees ; and a rosette of the 
colors of this and the preceding degrees may be worn 
on the collar. 



152 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



§ 3. Color of the Fourth Degree. 

The appropriate color of this degree is green. The 
unknown writer in "The Covenant," to whom we are 
already so greatly indebted, says — "It is the most 
widely diffused of all the tints which adorn the material 
world. Nature has clothed herself in this rich garni- 
ture throughout her solid domain ; yet, although it is 
so lavishly spread before us, from mountain-top to dell, 
the eye never rests upon it without a sense of refresh- 
ment and delight. In very remote ages, green was 
happily chosen from all its sister rays, to be the symbol 
of memory and eternity. As an oasis is never forgotten 
by the traveller who crosses the arid plains of Sahara, 
so we are accustomed to speak of those scenes and asso- 
ciations on which the mind lingers with peculiar fond- 
ness, as things <- dwelling greenly in our memories,' or, 
as < verdant spots in the desert of our days' — 

' and lie down at eve, 
In the green pastures of remember 'd days.' 

The evergreen, too, which lifts itself over the grave 
of some loved one, seems to respond to our sighs with 
an instructive language — 'He is not dead, but sleepeth: 
thy brother shall rise again!' "* 

§ 4. Emblems of the Fourth Degree. 

The emblems usually assigned to this degree, are — 
1. The Scales and Sword. — A fit emblem of that 
just prudence which weighs well and truly every motive 
and every action, and corrects every aberration from 

* "Covenant," February, 1842. 



OF THE FOURTH, OR REIMEMBRANCE DEGREE. 153 




right, whether of others or our own. The writer from 
whom we have already made several quotations on the 
emblems, says — " They instruct us, that however much 
of partiality may exist in the world, yet, among Odd- 
Fellows, both justice and mercy are administered, with- 
out regard to the factitious distinctions of men. In 
the Lodge-room, the rich and poor, high and low, learned 
and unlearned, meet as brethren, and unitedly engage 
in promoting the work of benevolence and truth."* 

2. The Horn of Plenty. — Also fit emblem of a memory 
well stored with good, the proper qualification of this 
degree. It " teaches us that if we are faithful in the 
discharge of our duty, we shall ever find, in the re- 
sources of our institution, an ample supply for our 
wants. And it assures us, that 'when the fig-tree 
refuses its blossoms, and the olive yields no oil, and 
the flocks are cut off, and no herd are found in the 
stall,' then shall the result of our well-doing be realized 



* "Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



154 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 




by us, in the possession of requisite comfort. When 
poverty, like an armed man, threatens us with de- 
struction, and the garments of wretchedness are pre- 
pared for our beloved offspring, then shall the horn of 
plenty, from our beloved institution, empty its stores at 
the door of our abode."* 



§ 5. Additional Remarks. 

Though not as attractive at first view as some of the 
preceding, yet this degree has many beauties and merits 
peculiarly its own. And like its color, there is a re- 
freshing and unwearying pleasure in them. The faculty, 
also, which it addresses and stimulates to action, is so 
excellent, so useful and interesting, that it is worthy 
of a degree devoted to its gratification and cultivation. 

* « Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



155 

Though memory has reference only to the past, it 
constitutes the foundation of human progress. By it 
we retain the successive steps of advancement, and each 
becomes the elevation whence we can reach higher and 
further. Without memory, we could not advance be- 
yond the first experience of sensations and perceptions, 
the first elements of knowledge, and the first essays at 
exertion. Every effort, however often repeated, must 
be a mere experiment : every attempt at acquisition of 
information, only a groping in the dark. Perpetual 
infancy in intellect and morals would be the condition 
of the human race ; indeed, even existence could hardly 
be continued. 

But not only is the Divine Benevolence manifested 
in thus enabling us to retain and use all the treasures 
of knowledge and experience acquired in the past, and 
thus live over again, at will, the joys and pleasures of 
former years ; but more merciful still is the wise ordi- 
nation which has made the remembrance of even past 
sorrows and sufferings a pleasure. It must be that they 
will be remembered. Their lessons are as essential to 
our improvement as any others we learn : perhaps even 
more so. Yet were our first acuteness of anguish to be 
retained in all our recollections of them, life would 
become a curse under the inflictions of memory alone. 
Sorrow after sorrow, suffering on suffering, would be 
added, like the lengthening links of a growing chain, to 
the already intolerable load of anguish and gloom, until 
the soul would sink, overwhelmed, under it. Added 
bitterness would at last convert every drop of the foun- 
tain to gall and wormwood, without any possibility of 
again lestoring it to pristine purity and sweetness. 
Cloud commingling with cloud, the storms of life would, 
at last, have no calm, no sunshine between, during 



156 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



which blossoming could occur, or the wilted herbage 
become freshened and green again. 

But now, how different ! The sharp, rending pangs 
cf sorrow and suffering once past, they gradually soften 
down and become mellowed by time, until it is even 
pleasurable to recall them to mind, and meditate on 
their uses, and draw from them salutary benefits. The 
waters of Marah so insensibly lose their bitterness, that 
we cannot tell when they were changed. We only 
know that, whereas we once shuddered and revolted at 
tasting, we now seek the fountain and feel refreshed at 
drinking largely there. 

Even the remembrance of guilt, after it is removed 
by sincere repentance, is not always painful ; at least, 
not wholly so. And thus the promises of God are con- 
firmed by our experience, that a period will arrive when 
the redeemed from sin may find the joys of salvation 
enhanced by a remembrance of former guilt and shame, 
having been forgiven much, and therefore loving most. 

But even without this hope, how much cause have we 
for gratitude to the Father of our spirits that he has 
endowed us with memories which may be exercised and 
strengthened ; that He has so constituted this precious 
faculty, that nearly all its exercises yield blissful sensa- 
tions only ; that seldom are we compelled to say, in 
the words of Goldsmith — 

" Oh Memory ! thou fond deceiver ; 
Still importunate and vain ! 
To former joys recurring ever, 
And turning all the past to pain." 

Without memory, life would be a stereotyped infancy. 
Without such a memory, man's progress would be but 
an increase of agony and sorrow, in perpetually accu 



luto 




OF THE FIFTH, OR SCARLET DEGREE. 159 



mulcting accretions of shame, torment, and remorse. 
Surely these facts and reflections should render more 
precious to every Odd-Fellow, the Degree of Remem- 
brance. 



CHAPTER VII. 

■ OF THE FIFTH, OR SCARLET DEGREE. 

1. Having been duly prepared to receive this highest 
degree of our subordinate Lodges, by a diligent ac- 
quaintance with those which have preceded it, and a 
proficiency in their duties and workings, the candidate 
will do well to give earnest heed to the instructions he 
will receive from those who confer this degree on him. 

2. The former degrees have been devoted to the de- 
velopment and applications of Love ; this has for its 
great theme, Truth as a principle of sentiment and of 
action. Love in the heart and Truth in the understand- 
ing are closely related. Both issue in the words of the 
mouth and the actions of the life ; and are unitedly, 
therefore, the foundation of moral duty. Love is the 
motive power prompting to right action — Truth the 
guiding light to direct it. Truth is therefore the 
crowning virtue. It is the great good sought by 
candor ; the great object of all our researches. Every 
appeal for righteousness and virtue rests on it ; for it is 
opposed to all iniquity and wrong, all error and igno- 
rance. To dwellers in time it may seem tedious in its 
progress, and hopelessly to struggle for conquest ; but 
eternity will prove it omnipotent, and show it to be the 
victor at last. So sings the poet : — 



160 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



" Truth, crush'd to earth, shall rise again, 
Th' eternal years of God are her's ; 
But error, wounded, writhes in pain, 
And dies amid her worshippers." 

He, therefore, who has Truth, is the only good, the 
only strong man — others merely seem so. It is in him a 
perpetual power, springing up continually to eternal 
life. As such, he is an example in speech and action, 
blessing and purifying others, and blessed and purified 
in return. Whatever mutations, whatever convulsions 
and storms rage around him, he is stable and he is sure. 

In this spirit, and desiring to be thus truthful, should 
every Odd-Fellow assume the obligations and discharge 
the duties of this degree. 

3. As the imperial virtue, Truth appropriates to this 
degree all preceding colors and emblems. White re- 
presents its purity, Pink its steadiness of purpose or 
irrefrangibility, Blue its persistence in right speech 
and action, Green its perpetual freshness and eternity ; 
and, as the cardinal virtue, it appropriates to itself the 
Scarlet badge, and sways a sceptre of dominion over the 
rest. He, therefore, who has this virtue enthroned in 
his soul, is priest and monarch of himself and all around 
him ; for its power gives him ministry and dominion. 
This is why the. brother of this degree finds all stations 
of the Lodge open to him, and is enabled to speak as by 
authority concerning the laws of our Order. This is 
why we expect his life to be an example, and his word 
a precept. This is why we expect him to understand 
and preserve inviolate our mysteries, and to observe 
that his brethren do the same. If faithful in these 
duties, he will show the world that virtue only, ennobles 
men among us, and that our honors have been judi- 
ciously conferred in his case. 



OF THE FIFTH, OR SCARLET DEGREE. 161 



4. The propriety of the colors heretofore named has 
already been explained. The selection of Scarlet as 
the special color of this degree, will be seen to be no 
less appropriate. For, as justly observed in the article 
already freely quoted from,* "Scarlet vestments, as 
allusive to the glory, dignity, and excellence of the 
sacerdotal office, are given to the Fifth, or Degree of 
the Priestly Order. God said to Moses, < Thou shalt 
make holy garments for Aaron, thy brother, for glory 
and for beauty.' (Exod. xxviii. 2.) In the several spe- 
cifications which follow the Divine charge, we find that 
scarlet was ordained to be a constituent part of the 
robe, the ephod, the curious girdle of the ephod, and of 
the breast-plate of judgment. (Exod. xxviii. passim.) It 
also entered into the composition of the ten curtains of 
the tabernacle, of the vail of the most holy place, 
(Exod. xxvi. 1, 31,) and of the hangings of the gate of 
the court. (Exod. xxvii. 16.) Thus it became pre-emi- 
nently a sacred dye. In its typical character, perhaps 
it had reference to the blood of the victimsf which were 
sacrificed by the High-Priest's hands, as an atonement 
for sin. The prophet Isaiah seems to favor this hypo- 
thesis : < Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as 
white as snow.' (i. 18.) As a token of glory, rank, and 
power, it was worn by monarchs not less extensively 
than the imperial purple. (Compare Matt, xxvii. 28, 29, 
where the scarlet robe was put on Christ, in mockery of 
the regal claim.) 

* "Covenant and Official Magazine of the G. L. U. S." for 1842, 
p. 71. 

f "The life of the flesh is the blood thereof;" (Gen. ix. 4; Lev. 
xvii. 11 ; and Deut. xii. 23.) So Truth, the life-giving element of the 
soul, is emblematically pointed out as the pure and proper offering 
cm the altar of Divine Truth.— A. B. G. 

14* 



162 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



" Grouping these emblematic colors, as they succes- 
sively appear in the five degrees, they clearly convey to 
every Odd-Fellow this sentiment: — 'Friendship, Love, 
and Truth: Eternal, Glorious!' — a sentiment as 
worthy to be had in honor, and to be profoundly 
cherished in the heart, as was the aphorism of Solon, 
TvcoOl aeavtov, (Know thyself,) to be inscribed on 
the Delphic Oracle in letters of gold."* 

Such is the language of the colors entitled to be worn 
by brothers as they advance to this degree, and attain 
this — especially by him whose life makes them his true 
colors — whose mind and affections reflect truly the 
ideas and moral principles they represent. 

5. All the emblems heretofore explained, belong to 
this degree, for in their true symbolic meanings they 
all teach truth. Truth in the abstract — pure truth, 
freed from the attributes of materiality, cannot be as 
easily received and understood by man in the flesh, as 
when presented in a material garb. Hence parables 
and apologues, which are but word-emblems, are so ac- 
ceptable among all nations ; and this, too, is why, in all 
ages, the various objects in nature have been used as 
symbols. Humanity seems to require such representa- 
tions. They are found in use as far as history reaches 



* Since the article from which we have quoted was written, (in 
1842,) our entire ritual has been revised and improved, (in 1845,) and 
several changes made in the instruction of the degrees, as will be 
seen in our remarks on each degree in regular order. Nevertheless, 
the explanation of the colors by this writer is so ingenious and 
beautiful, (and in the main, so correct,) that we have copied his re- 
marks verbatim, as they were originally published in the Covenant. 
Our notes give such corrections or additions as we presumed would 
be profitable. The brother of the Fifth Degree will be able to make 
his own corrections or comments on both. — A. B G. 



OF THE FIFTH, OR SCARLET DEGREE. 



163 



among the mists of the past. Their language seems the 
only one that escaped and survives the confusion of 
Babel. 

In using them, only be careful that you attach true 
and good ideas to them ; for, like men, they may be 
made to speak falsehood, and instruct in evil. Use no 
false emblems, nor yet true ones in a false sense. Be 
your actions (which are deed-emblems,) and your 
words (which are sound-emblems,) the transcript of your 
mind and heart, and may these latter ever be the abode 
of Truth. 

6. The emblems properly belonging to this degree, 
are 




(1.) The Coffin. — It presents us the closing fact, the 
last event of this life, after man has passed through all 
its changing scenes of toil and vanity. To that great 
event we must come at last, and we know not how soon ! 
The honors of the world, the applause of men, birth, 
wealth, fame, all end with us in that "narrow house." 



L64 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



" Can storied urn or animated bust 

Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath ? 
Can Honor's voice provoke the silent dust, 
Or Flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death ? 

" The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, 

And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave, 
Await alike th' inevitable hour : 
The paths of glory lead — but to the grave !" 

Beggar and monarch, conquered and conqueror ; wit, 
wisdom, wealth; or folly, pride, and poverty, all meet 
there on a level at last. And there, too, must we meet, 
in a brief period at longest, as weak, as lowly, as mute 
as the rest! Only the good or evil of our lives will 
survive us on earth, to draw down on our memories the 
blessings of those we have aided, or the contempt and 
reproach of those we have injured. Say, brethren, 
shall our names continue to live on earth, for a blessing, 
or a curse ? 




(2.) TJie Bible. — It " is placed among our emblems, be- 
cause it is the fountain whence we draw instruction, the 



OT THE FIFTH, OR SCAELET DEGREE. 165 



store-house whence our doctrines are derived, and our 
emblems, generally, are found in its pages."* In view 
of our certain mortality, we need its teachings of a 
future life. Assured that man must die, we desire to 
know that the ever-living God is our Father, and will 
confer on us immortality in the resurrection. 




(3.) Moon and Seven Stars. — As the Sun, the great 
fountain of light, represents Truth in its purity and 
glory, the Moon and Stars represent it in the reflected 
forms in which it is adapted to our capacities and pre- 
sented for our wants. " The seven Stars remind us of 
the seven pillars in the house of wisdom, the seven stars 
and seven churches in Asia ; and they caution us to 
beware, lest, by a neglect of duty, we are blotted from 
the horizon of moral goodness, to wander starless in the 
night of destitution. They also represent the seven 
spirits of God, and gladden our hearts with the assu- 

* "Richmond (Va.) Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



166 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



ranee, that if we are wise, and turn many to righteous- 
ness, we shall shine as the stars of the firmament for- 
ever and ever. 

"The Moon, reflecting the light of the Sun, repre- 
sents to us the welcome smiles of Friendship, Love, and 
Truth, shining in the night of misfortune ; and teaches 
us that as her rays are only reflected from a greater 
luminary, so all the glory and beauty of this earth, all 
the wisdom and goodness man can exhibit, are but re- 
flections caught from Jehovah, the great Source of life, 
light, and love."* 



%*te 



(4.) The Budded Rod. This emblem is peculiarly 
suitable to the Degree of the Priestly Order. It " re- 
minds us of the favor showed Aaron in his elevation to 
the office of High-Priest, (Numb. xvii. 8,) and of the 
kindly interposition of God in behalf of his ancient 

* "Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



OF THE FIFTH, OR SCARLET DEGREE. 167 



people, while it teaches us to look unto Him in the day 
of our oppression and trouble, assuring us that He who 
made the Rod of Aaron to bud, will protect, cheer, 
and support those who trust in Him, by His Rod and 
Staff."* It instructs us, also, that from the most barren 
facts and common things of life, Divine Truth can draw 
forth freshness and verdure, and give them life and 
interest. It thus incites us to seek that wisdom, and 
hearken unto its instructions in the use of our ritual 
and emblems, and in the application of our principles 
and measures. 

(5.) The brother of this degree is, or should be, him- 
self an emblem. He represents one of old, who was 
constituted the voice of God to man. He was an oracle 
of Divine Truth. To represent him, your words must 
be truth. To " speak the truth in love" is the cardinal 
distinction of this degree. Thus correct the errors of 
your brethren : it is your office, your right, your duty. 
Acting the truth in love, deal justly, and be merciful to 
your brothers of the human race. Living the truth in 
word and deed, you will show forth the moral influence 
of our Institution. Based on universal fraternity, con- 
structed of the various applications of that brotherhood 
to mutual relief and general sympathy, it sends you 
forth to be a true man among men, to illustrate the 
principles of Friendship and Love with all the power of 

* Odd-Fellow, 1842. We may add here, that though we have 
quoted at great length from this writer on the emblems, we have 
not meant thereby to endorse all he offers. A few of his explana- 
tions are, as the reader will perceive for himself, far-fetched and 
fanciful. But in general, he is correct, and his explanations have 
been widely circulated in several of our periodicals, and admired 
i>y their readers. Hence our frequent quotations, in preference to 
giving our own remarks. — A. B. G. 



168 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Truth. Be a true member, then, of that ancient order 
of which it was said, '"The priest's lips should keep 
knowledge," and strive to hasten the period when every 
man shall be "a king and a priest unto God." 

7. The Regalia of this degree is a white collar and a 
white apron, both trimmed with a scarlet ribbon or 
fringe. They may be ornamented with any of the 
emblems of the Subordinate Lodge degrees. 

Note. — "All members of a Subordinate Lodge may wear Rosettes, 
displaying the colors of the degrees they have taken." — By-Laws 
G. L. U. S., Art. 25. 

These are usually worn at the point or joining of the 
collar. 

We would here urge on our brethren everywhere a 
strict conformity and rigid adherence to the forms, 
colors, trimmings, and jewels of regalia, &c, as pre- 
scribed by the Grand Lodge of the United States. Let 
no Lodge allow any member, or visitor even, to wear 
colors or jewels to which he is not entitled, whether in 
a Lodge-room or a procession. Trifling as these are in 
themselves, they are important in their use ; and awk- 
ward and injurious mistakes have occurred by abusing 
them thus. It is only by general care in this matter 
that we can hope to avoid former confusion and dis- 
cordance in the uniform of our Order, and the badges 
of rank and service established by her authority. 

We feel that we cannot close our remarks on the 
degrees of a Subordinate Lodge with any thing more 
beautiful and appropriate than the following, from the 
pen of (then) Miss Malvina Jane Church, (now the 
wife of Rev. W. E. Manley,) which appeared in the 
•'< Golden Rule" for August 1st, 1846 :— 



OF THE FIFTH, OR SCARLET DEGREE. 169 



"FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND TRUTH.' 

Three golden arrows in the quiver, 

Fill'd else with darts of strife ; 
Three sunny islands in the river, 

The rapid stream of life — 
Three stars in heaven's gem-deck'd attire, 

That never fade or dim ; 
Three harp-notes in the spirit-lyre 

Notes angels love to hymn. 

Three charms to guard the heart from sorrow, 

To keep aloof life's woes ; 
Three whispers of a brighter morrow, 

The morrow of repose — 
Three links amid the golden fetters, 

That heart to heart entwine ; 
Upon life's scroll three mystic letters, 

Placed there by hand divine. 

Three watch-lights on the stormy highlands, 

Of earth's wave-beaten strand ; 
Three harbors 'mong the rocky islands, 

Begirt with treach'rous sands — 
Three life-preservers on Time's ocean, 

With dangerous reefs below ; 
Three voices mid the heart's commotion, 

To hush its strains of wo. 

Three blossoms from the land of flowers, 

To cheer the fainting soul ; 
Three rays of beauty from the bowers, 

Beyond life's utmost goal — 
Three strains of rapturous music swelling, 

Around the burial sod ; 
Three pillars in the holy dwelling — 

The temple of our God. 
15 



170 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 




CHAPTER VIII. 



OF THE DEGREE OF REBEKAH, OR LADIES DEGREE. 

§ 1. Prefatory Remarks. 

This degree was adopted by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, at its session in September, 1851, and 
went into operation with the year 1852. The Com- 
mittee previously appointed to prepare it, were Repre- 
sentatives Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana ; Wm. T. Martin, 
of Mississippi ; and E. G. Steele, of Tennessee. But 
it is understood that the Chairman, Br. Colfax, is the 
author of the degree, as he has been from the beginning 
the earnest and able advocate for it. 

All scarlet degree members of the Order, in good 



OF THE DEGREE OF REBEKAH. 171 



standing, and their wives, are eligible to this degree ; 
and it is conferred on all such without fee or pecuniary 
charge of any kind ; nor are any pecuniary benefits or 
dues connected with it. It must be conferred in the 
Lodge-room, but only at a special meeting for that 
purpose. And none but those who have received, or 
are about to receive it, are allowed to be present when 
it is conferred. The continuance in good standing 
of the ladies of this degree, depends entirely on the 
good standing, morally or pecuniarily, of their husbands. 
It is the interest of every wife of an Odd-Fellow, of 
every member of his family, in fact, to see that he is 
"good on the books" of his Lodge; so that, in case of 
his being sick or disabled, or called away by death, 
they may not be deprived of the benefits and advantages 
accruing to them from his connection with the Order. 
This degree, and the manifest connection of his wife 
(through him) with the Order by it, will render this 
interest more manifest to her. 

Any member of the fifth degree desiring the degree 
of Rebekah to be conferred on his wife, will make appli- 
cation- accordingly : whereupon the N. Gr. will appoint 
a special meeting for that purpose, at a time convenient 
for the applicant, generally at the close of a regular 
Lodge meeting. The Ladies being introduced into the 
anteroom, will there take off their shawls or cloaks and 
bonnets, for their own comfort and convenience. As 
there is nothing in the least degree offensive or im- 
proper in the degree, and as it must be conferred 
wholly in the presence of their husbands and each 
other, none need feel the least hesitancy or timidity 
about entering the Lodge-room. 



172 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



§2. Of the Degree. 

1. As the degree is designed to unite the wives of 
members more intimately with their husbands in the 
work of Odd-Fellowship, we address our remarks to the 
former only. 

2. No lady should assume the responsibilities of this 
degree, who feels not a desire to devote herself for life, 
when her other duties will permit, to » visit the sick, 
relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the 
orphan." She who feels this desire, and is resolved to 
follow its dictates, whatever the circumstances, or what- 
ever the opinions of the world around her, is worthy to 
receive its honors. 

3. Not only should such a resolve exist, but a deter- 
mination to obey it in the true spirit of our Order and 
of religion itself, quietly and noiselessly, like the drop- 
pings of the gentle rain, or the distillations of the 
silent dew on parched herbage and drooping flower. 
In Bible language, « let not thy left hand know what 
thy right hand doeth." 

4. Can you, will you thus promise to do good to 
your fellow-beings, as good should always be done by 
the votaries of our Order ? Such is the path we have 
trodden. The malice of bigotry, the opposition of 
ignorance, the misrepresentations of prejudice assailed 
us at every step, but our Order pressed onward, not 
pausing even for defence ; doing good for evil, giving 
blessing for curses, and even benefiting those who most 
aided to injure us. Will you walk with us in this path ? 
Can you resolve to labor with us in such works of for- 
bearance and love ? 

5. Before you answer, consider well. Our Order 



OF THE DEGREE OF REBEKAH. 173 



scorns to receive unwilling vows. Though arduous and 
difficult its duties, they are joyous in themselves and 
rich in their compensations. We offer you no worldly 
honor for your sacrifices ; for often the world knows 
not or understands not either your motives or your 
deeds. We can only promise our countenance and aid, 
the approval of your own conscience, the blessings of 
those you have succored, and the rewards of our Great 
Parent. Consider, then, what is involved in the duty 
of loving your neighbor as yourself. It may call you 
from the bowers of pleasure to the couch of the pained 
and suffering; from amid the joyous and gay to the 
abode of poverty and wo; from a social or domestic 
circle of peace and comfort to be a watcher through 
the weary night hours ; to wipe the clammy death- 
sweat from the brow, or press with balmy hand the 
bounding pulse ; to give the healing medicine, or speak 
calmness to the delirious thoughts ; to pour oil into the 
flickering lamp of life, or close the fading eye as the 
last prayer bears on its wings the departing spirit into 
the presence of its God. Is this too much, too great a 
sacrifice for you? Then, retire in peace: pronounce 
not the vows we ask ! 

6. You hear all this, you consider it well, but you 
waver not, you draw not back ! Such is woman's 
courage and humanity ! We welcome you, therefore, 
to duties so honorable, so peculiarly adapted to your 
loving hearts and sympathizing natures. Through 
long, long years you cheered us onward, rejoicing in 
our prosperity and blessing our labors. Advance, now, 
with us, by receiving this degree, which we have esta- 
blished as a pledge of our confidence in your goodness 
and fidelity. 

7. Sacredly guard from exposure by any means the 

15* 



174 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



signs and words by which you may be known as a 
member of this degree, and demand aid and counsel 
from the brotherhood in seasons of difficulty, danger, 
or distress. Make full trial of ttyose whom you would 
address, and confide in them only after careful and 
rigid examination. 

8. These signs and words are never to be used in 
a light or trifling manner, or for purposes of mere 
curiosity. They are meant to be useful, and their 
utility makes them important. One of them is changed 
every year, so long as your husband retains his moral 
and pecuniary standing in his Lodge, it will be 
given you, annually, by him, or, in his absence, by the 
presiding officer of his Lodge. 

9. Having united with our Order, we would direct 
and stimulate you in the performance of the duties it 
enjoins, by referring you to illustrious examples in 
your own sex. And nobler specimens of humanity and 
true womanhood can nowhere be found in past ages, 
than are named to us in the Book of Books. 

10. Behold the hospitality of the modest and grace- 
ful Rebekah, readily ministering to the stranger and 
his thirsty, way-worn cattle. It was her characters 
istic when Isaac became her husband, as God had 
appointed ; it remained hers when she was the aged 
mother of a family. Mark the confiding piety of THE 
wife OF Manoah, encouraging her husband to trust in 
God, and herself to hold converse with the Angel which 
gave her promise of Samson. Also, the devotion of 
Hannah, dedicating her child Samuel unto God from 
his infancy. See also the zeal and courage of patriotism 
in Deborah, the widow who was a bright star of hope 
in her country's trouble ; and at whose word, it wa8 
said, "the stars in their courses fought against Sisera." 



OF THE DEGREE OF REBEKAH. 175 



And the self-sacrificing love of countrymen, so like that 
of Moses, by whom was it better evinced than by the 
queenly Esther ? — risking station, and life even, to 
save from massacre her father's people. The steadfast 
filial piety and devoted affection of Ruth fills one of 
the most beautiful biographical narratives of the Bible. 
How tender and how beautiful her language to her 
widowed and childless mother-in-law, Naomi ! "Entreat 
me not to leave thee ; for whither thou goest I will go ; 
where thou lodgest I will lodge ; thy people shall be my 
people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will 
I die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to 
me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and 
me." Consider also the virgin prophetess, Miriam, 
the sister, the almost mother of Aaron and Moses. 
From the hour in which she watched over the latter as 
he was rocked by the waters of the Nile, to the hour of 
her death, she proved herself a noble, high-minded, 
generous, brave, loving sister and woman. And thus, 
from Sarah, the wife of the Friend of God, and the 
mother of patriarchs, clown to Martha and Mary, 
to the women who watched when the disciples fled, to 
Dorcas who cared for the poor, the history glows and 
brightens with woman's worth and loveliness. Before 
these, how the glory of Cleopatra and Aspasia, of 
Elizabeth of England, or Catharine of Russia, " loses, 
discountenanced, and like folly shows." We therefore 
hold up for youi\ imitation the goodness of those whose 
modesty and worth, whose domestic and public virtues, 
prove them women indeed. 

11. For woman's work is to do good. Men need 
banding together, to stimulate their better affections ; 
but in woman, benevolence and humanity are spon- 



176 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



taneous.* In entering into closer union with our 
Order, therefore, you need only follow, as before, the 
promptings of your ever-ready sympathies, to perform 
its duties and fulfil its obligations. In your families 
and neighborhoods, wherever misery can be relieved, 
want supplied, or sorrow consoled, there is the work of 
a daughter of Rebekah. 

12. And in return for the aid you bring us, we pledge 
duty and devotion to you. For at no time has woman 
been excluded from our cares or labors. Rather, for 
her has our Order been founded and improved. For 
wife and children, rather than for self, has the husband 
and the father given it his labors and his means. For 
them has the largest portion of our benefits been pro- 
vided. When her partner in the household is laid on 



* The great traveller, Ledyard, truly says — "I have observed 

among all nations, that the women are the same kind, 

civil, obliging, humane, tender beings ; that they are ever inclined 
to be gay and cheerful, timorous and modest. They do not hesitate, 
like man, to perform a hospitable or generous action ; not haughty, 
nor arrogant,- nor supercilious, but full of courtesy and fond of 
society ; industrious, economical, ingenuous ; more liable in general 
to err than man, but in general, also more virtuous, and performing 
more good actions than he. I never addressed myself in the language 
of decency and frienship to a woman, whether civilized or savage, 
without receiving a decent and friendly answer. With man, it has 
often been otherwise. In wandering over the barren plains of in- 
hospitable Denmark, through honest Sweden, frozen Lapland, rude 
and churlish Finland, unprincipled Russia, and the wide-spread 
regions of the wandering Tartar, if hungry, dry, cold, wet, or sick, 
woman has ever been friendly to me, and uniformly so ; and to add 
to this virtue, so worthy of the appellation of benevolence, these 
actions have been performed in so free and so kind a manner, that 
if I was dry, I drank the sweet draught, and if hungry, ate the 
coarse morsel, with a double relish." — Sparks's Life of Ledyard, 252. 



OF THE DEGREE OF REBEKaH. 177 



the bed of sickness, for her we pay the benefits. When 
she is weary with watching at his bedside, we send 
brethren to relieve her. When death removes him, we 
give her double what he is allowed when she is taken 
away. And when the widow's home is hers, with its 
loneliness and gloom, strong hands and warm hearts 
form a protection around her, to supply her wants, and 
cherish her and hers, for the sake of him to whom they 
pledged a love 

" Fading not when life has perish' d, 
Living still beyond the tomb." 

But now, more than ever, if possible, do we pledge 
our means, resources, and powers, to promote your 
welfare and secure your interests. 

13. You learn, then, that our 0<ic?-Fellowship is a 
unity of hearts and purposes to resist the heartlessness 
and selfishness of the world around us. Having become 
one with us and of us in that fellowship, and assumed 
our obligations, we can better demonstrate to you that 
our greatest duty and highest aim is the promotion of 
a practical, loving fraternity of mankind. For the 
entire human race is but one family, not only physically, 
but spiritually, not only theoretically, but really and 
truly. Each member, therefore, is bound to aid the 
rest. Our mission is not a narrow one. "None of us 
liveth to himself." We are created and placed here to 
labor for our fellow-men, to advance our age, elevate 
our country, and improve our race. 

14. With such teachings within our Temple, leading 
to corresponding practices without, our Order will with- 
stand all the shocks of opposition, and the changes of 
public opinion, and grow firmer and stronger in its 



178 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



moral power, until " the wreck of matter and the crush 
of worlds" changes our theatre of action to one of re- 
pose, our labor to reward. 

§ 3. Regalia of the Degree of Rebehah. 

The regalia of this degree {out of the Lodge) is a pink 
and green ribbon intertwined and twisted together, 
which may be worn as a bow, collar, bracelet, or as a 
trimming on any part of the dress, according to the 
wearer's taste and fancy. 

§ 4. Colors of the Degree. 

The colors (for there are two) of this degree are pink 
and green, whose emblematic significations have already 
been explained in our remarks on the Covenant Degree 
and the Degree of Remembrance, to which the reader 
is respectfully referred. 

§ 5. Emblems. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States attached no 
special emblems to this degree. Our lady readers can 
find, in the symbolical language we have unfolded in 
the other degrees, not a few which may be chosen as 
mementos of duty and encouragement. And every 
female example of the Old Testament, to whom we have 
referred them, will furnish an abundance in her eventful 
history. 



OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 179 



CHAPTER IX. 

OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

§ 1. Members and Qualifications. 

A Subordinate Lodge is constituted of not less than 
five brethren in good standing, including one qualified 
to preside over its meetings.* It must be regularly 
chartered and instituted by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, or by some Grand Lodge recognized as 
legal by our national Grand Lodge. The following di- 
rections are deemed proper, for those who desire to get 
up and organize a Lodge. 

§ 2. How Commenced. 

If desirous of forming a Lodge in your vicinity, 
ascertain first how many brethren can be found willing 
to unite in that object. This may be done by private 
inquiry, or by calling an informal meeting by public 
notice. Should a sufficient number of the proper cha- 
racter (for this is an all-important consideration) not be 
found, ascertain whether any can be induced to draw 

* In some States, under particular circumstances, there must be 
more than five petitioners for a Charter. In others, all the officers 
must receive, or have received, the five degrees, which may be con- 
ferred on the first officers of a new Lodge by special dispensation 
Previous service is also dispensed with in the same manner. The 
Constitution and By-Laws of each Grand Lodge, or any of its officers 
or active members, will furnish the necessary information. 



180 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



their cards from neighbouring counties or states to 
unite temporarily in the object. Or, what is better, 
find proper individuals willing to proceed to the nearest 
Lodge, be there initiated, draw their cards, and unite in 
the petition for a charter. 

Much prudence and forecast are necessary in these 
preliminary operations. Gruard against imposition. 
Scrutinize the moral and social fitness of proposed 
associates. Calculate carefully the probabilities of 
being joined, after the Lodge is instituted, by proper 
persons, and in sufficient numbers, to render the Lodge 
truly respectable, morally, and to secure it sufficient 
pecuniary ability. For on first impressions may de- 
pend its entire acceptability to those who are worth 
having ; and the expenses of starting a Lodge, furnish- 
ing a room, &c. are too great to be made a matter of 
mere guess-work and risk. Consider well, therefore, 
every step before it is taken, and make haste very de- 
liberately. 

§3. The Petition. 

Having obtained the number of properly qualified 
coadjutors, they will draw their cards, (with a certificate 
of the brother's rank or station in his Lodge, on each,) 
and unite in signing the petition (see Appendix B) 
for that purpose. The Charter fee, which varies in 
different States, (but usually thirty dollars,) must ac- 
company it, and will be returned if the petition is not 
granted. The withdrawal card must also accompany it, 
or a certificate from the nearest D. D. G. Sire or D. D. 
G-. Master, (as the case may be,) stating that they are 
in his hands, and are correct as set forth in the petition. 

If the Lodge is to be located in a State or Territory 



OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 181 



where there is no Grand Lodge, the petition, &c. must be 
addressed to the R. W. G. Lodge of the United States, 
and forwarded to the Grand Secretary of the same, (at 
Baltimore, Md.) But if where there is a State Grand 
Lodge, address it accordingly, and make the Charter 
fee and other requisites correspond with its require- 
ments. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States requires the 
expenses of its Grand Officer or Agent who opens the 
Lodge to be paid by the petitioners. But in most of 
the States, the Grand Lodge pays this expense. Of 
course the brethren will provide him and those who 
assist in opening, with proper quarters and accommo- 
dations, and thus honor their visitors and themselves 
with fraternal hospitality. But great care should be 
taken to ascertain clearly all the probable expenses, and 
keep an accurate account thereof, for future settlement. 

§ 4. Preparations for Institution. 

Having ascertained that a Charter can be had, get 
applications for admission and initiation from all whom 
you design receiving, (having first canvassed their cha- 
racters, and unanimously agreed to elect them,) with 
the proposition fee of each. Arrange your Lodge- 
room, making it and premises secure against eaves- 
droppers and burglars, and rendering it as convenient 
and comfortable as your means will allow. Neatness 
and comfort are secured cheaply, in comparison with 
mere show and splendor ; and the latter without the 
former are very dear, indeed ! Purchase your regalia 
and jewels, your furniture, wardrobe, &c. ; and see that 
they are substantial, as well as appropriate in appear- 
ance and cost. Refresh each other's memories as much 

16 



182 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



as possible in the ceremonials and work of the Order, 
that the institution, installation, and initiations may be 
impressive and correct. Agree on the officers, so as to 
have the election brief and unanimous, and the ap- 
pointments promptly made and accepted. All these 
and kindred matters should be determined and arranged 
before the arrival of the person who is to open the 
Lodge. Then when the time arrives for institution, &c, 
every thing is ready in turn ; the petitioners are on hand, 
the Lodge is opened, the officers are elected and in- 
stalled without delays and strifes, the applications for 
membership are referred to the proper Committee, and 
forthwith reported on in due form ; and the initiations 
follow with all the facility and impressiveness of an old 
and well-working Lodge. How much more delightful 
and salutary than where every thing is left to the last 
moment, and then crowded through with contentions, 
anxieties, and bungled performances, to be remembered 
with shame and vexation for years afterward ! 

§ 5. The First Meeting. 

At the first meeting after institution, as there need 
be no initiation, see that all the new officers and mem- 
bers understand correctly their duties, and are practised 
in their performance. Have all the bills duly made out, 
certified to be correct by the proper Committee, and pass 
a vote providing for their payment out of the first funds 
in the Treasury. Of course, provision has been pre- 
viously made for a loan of money or of credit, by one 
or more of the members, to meet such demands ; but 
this vote by the Lodge is necessary to sanction and 
adopt such proceedings, and to relieve those brethren. 
Appoint (or continue) the Committees to procure neces- 



OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 183 



saries yet needed, to audit accounts, &c. And thus 
prepare for the correct working and prompt transaction 
of business by the Lodge at future meetings. 

§ 6. Increase of Members. 

The great aim of a new Lodge generally is to in- 
crease its membership. This desire, if not regulated by 
great wisdom and prudence, will work incalculable and 
lasting injury to the welfare of the Order. Our views, 
gained by experience and observation in a wide field, 
will be found in our remarks on " The Ballot," and on 
the duties of "Investigating Committees," in a subse- 
quent part of this work. But allow us to add here, that 
numbers are not alivays strength: they may even prove 
weakness. 

Suppose that in looking around for members, you 
find the most desirable men generally averse. Some 
are afraid of your debt ; others of popular opinion ; 
others still of family prejudices and opposition, and so 
they promise to « consider the subject, and decide by- 
and-by." In other words, they will "wait and see." 
Can you remove the difficulty by inducing men careless 
of character, of doubtful health and habits, or still 
more objectionable tempers and dispositions, to propose ? 
Suppose you try it. Your brethren, equally anxious for 
increase, or tender of your feelings, elect them because 
you have urged them to join. So they are initiated ; 
and what is the effect ? 

Popular prejudice is increased; the objections of 
families to their members uniting with you are 
strengthened ; the merely indifferent are not excited to 
feel an interest in a Lodge composed of such materials. 
But new members have been added and the debt is 



184 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



lessened. Yes ; and they feel desirous of controlling 
affairs in return. One is brought up under charges for 
neglect of his family, or violation of some of the de- 
cencies or moralities of life. The others, being similarly- 
disposed, acquit him in despite of proofs. The habits 
of the doubtful grow decidedly worse under such disci- 
pline, but it is vain to try to expel them. Good mem- 
bers grow disgusted, neglect attendance at Lodge-meet- 
ings, and thus criminally resign the reins wholly to 
bad hands. Claims for benefits come in. It is pretty 
certain that they are false, or were caused by immo- 
rality ; but how prove it ? And if proved, how prevent 
their being granted notwithstanding ? More doubtful 
candidates are proposed; for crows flock to the carcass; 
and you rouse up and reject them. Then, essaying to 
redeem the Lodge from bad management, you induce a 
few resolute, good men to apply. They are rejected, 
because you rejected the others. How, now, stands the 
case ? 

Members have been gained, but public confidence has 
not been gained; character has not been improved; 
money, even, has not really been gained. Your num- 
bers are not strength, but weakness, and unless help and 
health come by your vigorous action, and aid from 
abroad, or from the Grand Lodge, your Lodge must 
die ; and the whole Order, and all good men, will say, 
Amen! 

Be cautious, then, whom you propose. Eemember 
that admission into the Lodge is admission to your 
family at sickness and death, and admits you to share 
in their characters in public estimation. A charge 
anciently given to an initiate of our Order, contained 
the following excellent advice and admonition : — 
" Should you, at any time, propose a friend to become a 



OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 185 



member of this Order, see that he is such a one as will 
be likely to conform to the laws of our Society ; since 
nothing is so painful to the feelings of faithful Odd- 
Fellows, as to see the requirements of the institution pro- 
faned and trodden under foot ." 

§ 7. Opening Lodge. 

All rites and ceremonies should have for their aim, 
the instruction and improvement of those concerned. 
They should be simple in character, adapted to the 
purposes designed, and easy of performance. And 
they should be performed with earnestness, precision, 
correctness, and in proper time ; and attended to with 
due observation and silence. Such are the ceremonies 
of opening, working, and closing a Lodge of our Order. 
The officers and members, therefore, should make them- 
selves perfectly familiar with all their details, so as to 
understand and perform them correctly. 

Precisely at the appointed time, (allowing but a few 
minutes for differences of time-pieces,) the proper officer 
should put on his regalia, take his chair, and give the 
signal. Punctuality in this matter is highly important. 
It will not only avoid late hours for closing, which 
cause so much inconvenience and dissatisfaction in 
families, but it will secure prompt attendance and 
proper despatch of business. The officers, therefore, 
should be rigidly punctual themselves ; and if not, 
should be held accountable for all delay in opening by 
those whose patience they abuse. 

At the signal, if not before, each member will quietly 
put on the appropriate regalia previously provided by 
the Warden, and move to his station, there to await in 
fiilence the examination. This should be carefully ma do 

16* 



186 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



by the proper officer, at least once a month, not omit- 
ting any, to refresh the memories of brethren, and 
make them attentive to the word. 

In the same respectful silence, all should listen to 
the recital of duties by the several officers. It is a 
mistake to suppose that these concern the officers only. 
Every member should know what duties lie may lawfully 
require each officer to perform. And as any brother 
may be called on to fill a vacancy for an evening, or 
may be appointed or elected to fill the offices, it is his 
duty to learn in season what duties he will then be 
required to discharge. Even those who have learned, 
should be silent and attentive, so as to present a proper 
example to new members, and not distract their at- 
tention from any business of the evening. 

Careful heed should be given to the solemn charge 
of the N. Gr. to every officer and member to perform 
his duties, and to observe those principles which con- 
stitute each Lodge a family and secure fraternal feeling 
and humane conduct among its members. These recitals 
are not mere forms, not an empty sound of words ; they 
have deep significance, and are designed to subserve 
important ends. Let us guard, then, against a listless 
delivery or an inattentive hearing of them. 

In those State jurisdictions where it is customary, 
the following prayer is offered by the Chaplain or bro- 
ther designated for that purpose :* — 

% The Prayer here given was adopted by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, to prevent the practice of praying peculiar religions 
opinions, which were offensive to members of the Order in many of 
our Lodges. It also ordered that on all occasions of the Order, "the 
same spirit as observed in the foregoing, shall be strictly followed by 
the officiating clergyman or chaplain." 

It is presumed that on special occasions the form might be varied 



OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 187 



Prayer. — Thou King eternal, immortal, and in- 
visible ! the only wise God, our Saviour ! Thou art the 
Sovereign of universal nature, the only true object of 
our best and holiest affections. We render Thee hearty 
thanks for that kind providence which has preserved us 
during the past week, protecting us from the perils and 
dangers of this life; and for permitting us now to 
assemble in Thy name for the transaction of business. 

We humbly beseech thee, our Heavenly Father, to 
preside over our assembly, to breathe into our hearts 
the spirit of love and of a sound mind ; and may each 
and all be governed by an anxious desire to advance 
Thy glory and ameliorate the condition of mankind. 

Let Thy blessing rest upon our Order, upon all the 
Lodges, Grand and Subordinate, belonging to our entire 
family of brothers. Let Friendship, Love, and Truth 

accordingly, preserving the same spirit, and that, for brevity's sake, 
omissions might also be made. But this is only the private opinion 
of the writer. 

The following excellent form, long used in New York, and still 
offered in some Lodges there, is equally free from objections with 
that prescribed by the Grand Lodge of the United States : — 

Prater at Opening. — Almighty and most merciful God, we adore 
Thee as the Creator of all worlds and the righteous Governor of all 
beings ; upon whom we are dependent for life and all its blessings, 
and without whose favor no human enterprise can permanently 
prosper. Lift upon us, we pray thee, Lord, the light of thy coun- 
tenance, and bless us while we are together this evening. May all 
things be done in the spirit of charity and brotherly kindness, and 
may our labors of love be blessed to the promotion of the best in- 
terests of our beloved Order. Hear us, God, in behalf of the 
stranger, the sick, the afflicted, the widow, and the orphan ; and 
bless them as Thou seest they may need. Keep us ever in thy fear 
and wisdom, and save us all with an everlasting salvation : and to 
thy Great Name be all the glory, as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 



188 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



prevail, until the last tear of distress be wiped away, 
and the Lodge below be absolved by the glory and 
grandeur of the Grand Lodge above. This we ask in 
humble dependence upon, and in most solemn adoration 
of thy One mysterious and glorious Name. Amen. 

In all Lodges the ceremony is then concluded by 
singing an appropriate Ode; when the Lodge is de- 
clared duly opened, all sectarian, political, or other 
improper utterance is prohibited under penalty, and 
the brethren are expected to enter on the proper busi- 
ness of the evening, and the diffusion of principles of 
benevolence and charity. 

§ 8. Working of the Lodge. 

Subordinate Lodges are termed "working Lodges," 
(in distinction from Grand Lodges, which are legislative 
bodies,) because in them candidates are initiated, moral 
and social instructions given, and provision directly 
made for performing the active works of Odd-Fellow- 
ship, by the officers and members, during the ensuing 
week. But even the business transactions have an aim 
beyond themselves, the salutary exercise of the moral 
and mental powers of the members in social communion, 
and the increase of their affections in all that relates to 
our great fraternity. 

As the prescribed " Order of business" is merely 
general, we will designate the special items properly 
coming under each rule : — 

I. Calling the Roll of Officers. 

1. Charge each absentee in the Roll-book with the proper fine foi 
non-attendance, or other neglect of duty ; and note his absence on 
the minutes. 



OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 189 



II. Beading Minutes of the 'preceding Lodge-night. 

1. If any special or adjourned meetings have been held within the 
Week, read them in connection. 

2. If no objection be made to any of the Minutes, they are con- 
sidered approved, of course. 

3. Read the names of absentees on previous nights ; if excuses are 
accepted, erase the fines from Roll-book. 

III. Does any brother know of a sick brother, or a 
brother in distress ? 

1. Announcement of new cases of illness. 

2. Report of Relief Committee, by their Chairman. 

3. Appointment of watchers for the sick during the ensuing week, 
including the next Lodge-night', so as to allow time to notify absent 
watchers. 

4. Ordering drafts in favor of brethren entitled to benefits or 
needing aid. 

IV. Consideration of previous proposals for member- 
ship. 

1. Reports of Committees of Investigation. 

2. Acceptance of Reports and balloting for Candidates. 

Y. Candidates admitted. 

N. B. — Special care should be taken to have every officer prepared 
and at his post, and every thing ready, that perfect order and 
silence may be maintained. 

VI. Has any brother a friend to propose to become a 
member of this Order ? 

1. Propositions received and read. 

2. Propositions accepted, if correct, and Committees appointed, 
and endorsed thereon. 

VII. Unfinished Business appearing on the Minutes, 
to be attended to. 

1. Reports of Standing Committees received and acted upon. 

2. Reports of Special Committees, also. 

3. Other unfinished business, in order. 



190 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



VIII. Has any brother any thing to offer for the good 
of the Order? 

1. Communications from the Grand Lodge, from Dist. Grand Com- 
mittees, from the Dist. D. Grand Master, from other Lodges, and 
miscellaneous, in the order here named. 

2. New business, applications for degrees, cards, &c. 

3. Permanent Secretary's Report of the receipts since previous 
meeting, which must be entered on the Minutes. 

IX. Closing the Lodge. 

N. B. — Allow sufficient time for any excitement to subside, officers 
to complete business on hand, &c, before closing, that all things 
may be " done decently and in order." 

The above order of business should be adhered to at 
all stated meetings. If circumstances require an early 
attention to some item coming late in order — say, the 
Report of a Committee — it can be reached thus: — As 
the N. Gr. announces each item in order, a motion is 
made and carried to lay it on the table until after the 
Report. Thus each item is passed until you reach 
"unfinished business," when the Report is received and 
acted on. Then the items "laid on the table" are in 
order, and are taken up regularly as before, and com- 
pleted. 

It will be seen that our duties to the sick, the dis- 
tressed, the widow, and the orphan, are especially 
considered at every Lodge meeting, and (if need be) 
provided for during the ensuing week. 

While all business, debates, &c. should be conducted 
in a strictly parliamentary manner, care should be taken 
not to render the intercourse of the brethren cold and 
formal. Respect and courtesy to all, mingled with 
that deference to motives, if not opinions, which fra- 
ternal love inspires, should never be forgotten in the 



OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 191 



Lodge. But if forgotten by the speakers, the proper 
officer should promptly and firmly, yet gently remind 
them of their temporary aberration. Those personali- 
ties and sarcasms which many mistake for wit and 
humor, but which ruffle the temper, wound the feelings, 
and excite ill-will among brethren, are as entirely out 
of place in a Lodge-room as in a Church. But plea- 
santry, real wit, and humor, without a sting, are com- 
mendable when time allows and the subject invites 
their indulgence. 

But when serious things and solemn rites are before 
the Lodge, especially during initiation and while con- 
ferring degrees, every thing like levity and jesting 
should be promptly repressed, and, if need be, rebuked 
or punished. 

By properly and earnestly performing the work of a 
Lodge, every member and officer has his work as an 
Odd-Fellow duly laid out, prepared and furnished, that 
he may carry forward and complete it during the week. 
If he does his duty out of the Lodge as prescribed 
within it, he will be made a wiser, better, and happier 
man; the brethren will be edified and stimulated to 
good works, and the Lodge will become a powerful 
agent, in God's providence, for promoting among men 
the manifold blessings of Friendship, Love, and Truth. 

§ 9. Closing the Lodge. 

Appropriate to the opening and working of a Lodge, 
is the impressive ceremonial of closing the same. 

The business of the evening having been transacted, 
the Vice-Grand, Officers, and brethren are requested 
to place themselves in proper position to aid the desig- 
nated officer who is to close the Lodge. The desire of 



[92 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



tlie 1ST. Gr. being formally declared, the Lodge is pre- 
pared for closing, and an appropriate Ode is sung. 

The particular duties of each officer at closing are 
then rehearsed, and should be attentively listened to, 
in order that none may be delinquent for want of know- 
ledge, or be held accountable for neglect of duties not 
pertaining to his charge. Members are commended for 
their attention to the business of the evening, and bro- 
thers thanked for their presence, and all are invited to 
attend on any future evening. Arrangements are made 
for collecting the regalia and implements of the Lodge, 
inspecting their condition, and placing them in their 
depositories. And finally, the brother in charge of the 
entrance prepares the way for the departure of the 
brethren. 

Thus admonished and prepared, in some jurisdictions, 
the Lodge unites with a Chaplain in the following 

Closing Prater. — Almighty Fatner i dismiss us, we 
implore thee, with thy blessing. Let all we have done 
upon this occasion, meet acceptance and favor in thy 
sight ; and may we still continue, through thy aid and 
assistance, to increase the usefulness of our institution 
to ourselves and to all mankind. Amen.* 



* The following is the form that was formerly used in New York, 
and yet is in at least some Lodges : — • 

Closing Prayer. — We bless thee, Lord, that we have been per- 
mitted to enjoy this, another Lodge-meeting. Pardon what thou 
hast seen amiss in us : and now, as we are about to separate, may 
thy blessing be with us, and with all our brethren throughout the 
globe. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social 
virtue adorn our lives, while members of this Lodge below ; and at 
last may we be admitted to the joys of a better world: and thine 
be the power and glory, forever and ever. Amen. 



OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 193 



After the prayer, the Lodge is declared duly closed, 
the time of the next meeting is proclaimed, and the 
brethren separate, as brethren of one family always 
should depart from any assemblage, IN peace. 

We close this section with the earnest admonition of 
Past D. G. Sire, Albert Case : — 

" Brethren, may it never be said by the uninitiated, 
that we are deficient in those practical characteristics 
of the Order, which, when truly and systematically 
adhered to, cannot fail to distinguish us above those 
who refuse to knock at the door of our temple, and 
gain a knowledge of our mysteries. Let us not forget 
that, while we cultivate the perfection of our fraternal 
duties, we shall improve in the knowledge of Deity, of 
our duty to Him, to our neighbor, and to ourselves : 
Friendship will bind us together, Truth will direct us, 
and Love will make our labors easy; so that, at the 
last, when we are summoned from the terrestrial Lodges 
to the Grand Lodge Celestial, we may leave form and 
ceremony behind, find our work approved, and, as the 
mysteries of Heaven are unveiled to our admiring vision, 
we may arrive at its perfection, and enjoy its benefits 
throughout ages eternal." Even so may it be ! Amen. 

§ 10. Work out of Lodge. 

Closing the Lodge does by no means suspend the 
work of its officers and members. Proper provision 
having been made and instructions given, in the Lodge, 
the Committees are now to pursue their labors: the sick 
are to be systematically and kindly visited, the dis- 
tressed are to be relieved, the widows and orphans to be 
attended to, and the needy and suffering to be searched 
out preparatory to being reported at the next meeting. 

ir 



194 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



The principles of good-will and brotherly love are to be 
carried out in social and domestic intercourse, outside 
the walls of the Lodge-room. The world itself is one 
vast Lodge of brethren, and the lessons acquired in the 
weekly meeting of the few, should be reduced to daily, 
constant practice among the many. And especially is 
that temple, the body, which is the residence of the 
Holy Spirit, to be further enlightened and purified, and 
rendered the abiding-place of Friendship, Love, and 
Truth. 

To prepare the Odd-Fellow for these daily duties and 
privileges of life, and to direct him in their proper per- 
formance and use, is the great end and aim of the 
weekly meeting in the Lodge-room. The work of the 
Lodge being but a school to exercise him in his proper 
work of Odd-Fellowship in his own heart, in his family, 
and in the world at large. The tokens and emblems of 
the one are designed to direct his mind to the sun, the 
moon, the stars, the light-woven bow on the cloud, the 
open hand, and all the other visible and invisible ob- 
jects in the other, which speak of God's goodness, and 
man's duties, and nature's blessedness, and make them 
incitements to the pursuit of knowledge and virtue. 

Careless, indolent, or ill-instructed, therefore, must 
he be, who rests satisfied with a mere attendance on 
Lodge-meetings, and whose mind and heart reach not 
beyond the mere routine of its workings, the letter of 
its lectures and charges, or the outward appearance of 
its forms, emblems, and allegorized representations. 
The true Odd-Fellow, using these but as an outline 
map, will study them that he may fill up their vacancies, 
understandingly mark out his journey in the world, and 
pursue his life-pilgrimage, knowing whence he cometh, 
whither he goeth, and what he doeth. 



DUTIES AND DEPORTMENT OF ODD-FELLOWS* 195 



CHAPTER X. 

DUTIES AND DEPORTMENT OF ODD-FELLOWS. 

Each member, whatever be his rank or station in the 
Order, has certain duties to perform and obligations to 
discharge by virtue, simply, of his membership, as an 
Odd-Fellow. These exist and surround him in every 
situation and condition in which he may be placed in 
life, public and private, in the Lodge, and in the bosom 
of his family. He is an Odd-Fellow, first, middle, and 
last: an Odd-Fellow always, whether a Grand Master 
or a mere initiate, wherever and whatever he may be. 

And in consequence of these acknowledged duties 
and obligations, we claim the privilege of observing the 
conduct of all our brethren, as well out of the Lodge as 
in it, for brotherly approval, advice, admonition, or 
correction. A few special remarks, then, on those 
duties which each member of our Order owes, as an 
individual Odd-Fellow, seem appropriate in this place. 

§ 1. Lodge Attendance. 

Some members are very faithful in Lodge attendance 
until they have "passed the Chairs," or until they find 
they cannot succeed in doing so, and then their zeal 
suddenly cools down, and they seldom attend, except to 
pay their dues, and even these they sometimes send in 
by a neighbor ! Be not one of these. And never vote 
for, or aid in any way to elevate to the honors of the 



196 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Order, any brother whom you have good reason to 
believe one of this class. They love not the principles 
— their hearts are not in the works of Odd-Fellowship. 
It is time that those who unite with us, not because 
they love to do good, but for « the loaves and the 
fishes," should learn that they have mistaken their aim, 
that we prefer to honor, above all others, the workers in 
our ranks, the lovers of our principles. 

P. G. M. A. E. Glenn, Editor of « The Ark," Columbus, 
0., speaks very plainly to those who, from any light 
cause, have allowed their zeal to cool down into ab- 
senteeism : — 

" Tell us why you neglect the Lodge? Where are 
you on the evenings of our meetings ? What has hap- 
pened to wean you away from the Hall, where, in other 
days, you were always present ? Are you tired of Odd- 
Eellowship ? When you were sick, and in distress, 
were you neglected ? When you needed watchers, did 
you not have them ? When you were entitled to bene- 
fits, were they not paid you? If you have been neglected 
in any manner, have you made complaint, and has no 
remedy been applied ? If so, then we must acknowledge 
you have had some cause for absenting yourself from 
the Lodge. But we think few cases of neglect, such as 
we have mentioned, have ever occurred. We do not 
know of one ; and consequently there must be other 
reasons for being absent from the Lodge. We hope 
and trust brothers have not found other places, apart 
from their families, where they can spend their evenings 
more agreeably than among their brothers in the Lodge- 
room. We would not insinuate such a thing ; but we 
know there are many who never come to the Lodge, 
that could do so as well as not, and who should attend." 

The same faithful Odd-Fellow adds — " What is more 



DUTIES AND DEPORTMENT OF ODD-FELLOWS. 197 



discouraging to those who always attend, upon whom 
mainly depends the Lodge business, than to see a thin 
attendance ? It would oftentimes seem as though but 
few had any regard for the Order ; and yet, those who 
do not attend are generally the first to complain if 
they are neglected in sickness, or fail to receive benefits 
when entitled to receive them. 

"The sociability which should always exist among 
Odd-Fellows, and particularly between members of the 
same Lodge, cannot exist if they do not meet once a 
week in the Lodge-room. These meetings make us 
more familiar, we know each other better, and are 
more sociable and friendly. When one is summoned to 
watch with a sick brother, and he goes to the house of 
one he has not met in the Lodge for a year, does he feel 
like watching with a brother f Does the sick brother 
feel as though Odd-Fellows were with him ? Certainly 
not to the degree he would, if they had met weekly in 
the Lodge-room." 

P. D. G. Sire, Albert Case, while editor of "The 
Covenant," also urged to the same purpose: "There 
are many reasons to be urged in . favor of a general 
attendance on the meetings of the Lodge. Our Lodges 
are deliberative assemblies, and the business they transact 
is, I apprehend, of more importance than many of the 
members imagine. The reception of members, the dis- 
position of the funds, and all the immediate and direct 
operations of the institution, is the work of the Subordi- 
nate Lodges. The entire character, standing, and sue 
cess of the Order, depend, in a great degree, on the 
manner in which the business of these Lodges is con- 
ducted. 

"If the meetings of subordinate Lodges are neglected 
by the members, the business may be transacted in a 

17* 



198 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



careless, loose, and injudicious, if not in an unlawful 
manner. In such an event, negligence will be apt to 
mark all its operations, the inevitable consequence of 
which must be, that, from want of suitable attention to 
the qualifications of candidates, bad men will obtain 
admittance, the funds will be squandered or misapplied 
to improper purposes, and the Lodge ultimately ruined, 
and an injury inflicted upon the character and interests 
of the institution generally. Therefore it is the duty of 
every member to attend the meetings of his Lodge as 
often as circumstances will admit. He should not ne- 
glect them for any trifling cause. The interests of the 
institution and his Lodge, which it is his duty to watch 
over, and labor to promote, and to guard against abuse, 
demand it." His own interests, in case of sickness, 
travel, and distress ; and the interests of his family, in 
case of his decease, demand it. 



§ 2. Payment of Dues. 

Even heaven-born benevolence must have material 
means by which to operate in this world. Hence 
another important duty of each member is, the prompt 
payment of his dues. He owes it not only to himself 
and family, but to the Order. John Randolph professed 
to have found that the philosopher's stone consisted 
simply in these four words — "Pay as you go." Eut an 
Odd-Eellow will more surely find it in the three words — 
"Pay in advance" There are few old members of the 
Order who cannot relate some case of peculiar hardship 
caused by non-payment of dues. Some good, but care- 
less brother, who neglected this small item of duty until 
he was suddenly called out of this life, was found to be 
not beneficial, and his widow and orphans, when most 



DUTIES AND DEPORTMENT OF ODD-FELLOWS. 199 



in need, were left destitute of all legal claims on the 
funds he had for years been aiding to accumulate. 
Such cases, too frequently occurring in our Lodges and 
Encampments, may be yours. Let every member, then, 
be careful to keep himself « good on the books." And 
as the surest mode of providing against occasional 
scarcity of cash, or sudden and long absences from 
home, see that you are always in advance of the claims. 
Let a memorandum be kept in some book or place where 
it will be seen frequently, not only by yourself, but by 
your wife or other interested person, lest you may forget 
it and fall behind the times. . Better even pay for six 
months ahead, at the commencement of a term, than 
fall in debt to your Lodge or Encampment. But, at all 
events, be sure to "pay in advance." 

§ 3. Conduct in Debate. 

Exercise yourself in the discussions of your Lodge ; 
not for the purpose of mere debate, contention, or "love 
of opposition," but to improve yourself in suitably ex- 
pressing your sentiments, and to render yourself useful 
to the Order. For this purpose, make yourself well 
acquainted with the rules of order and debate, that you 
may not violate them. Note what is peculiarly easy 
and correct in the style and manner of others, that you 
may engraft it on your own. Study well each subject 
you intend to discuss, in all its bearings and tendencies, 
that you may have a well digested opinion of your own 
to express. Avoid every appearance of disrespect for 
the opinions and motives of others, and strive, not 
merely to repeat what others have said as well, before 
you, but to shed new light upon the question. And 
clothing your ideas in few words, fit and expressive, do- 



200 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



liver them in a clear tone, in a calm but impressive 
manner, and then take your seat. A wordy, windy 
speaker, or one who " tears a passion to tatters, to very 
rags," every time he rises, as well as one who is always 
"bobbing up and down" to sputter out his ideas, is sure 
soon to lose all respect and influence, if, indeed, he does 
not so vex the Lodge as to induce it to vote down nearly 
every measure he advocates ! 

Do not, then, suffer your temper to be ruffled by any 
opposition, or misrepresentation even. If the latter is 
plausible, and seems likely to mislead others, a calm, 
plain correction will put all right again. If it is forced, 
and evidently made to gain a point, depend on it, the 
good sense of your brethren will perceive it as clearly 
as yourself, and rebuke it more effectually than you 
could do. Be sure to be always "in order." 

§ 4. Gentlemanly Conduct. 

The world once thought, as a few seem yet to sup- 
pose, that to be an Odd-Fellow, a man must be " a jolly, 
roystering blade," full of quirps and jests, ready to 
crack his joke, or sing his song, or play off some rude 
trick on a stranger, or engage in a drinking bout or 
gormandizing feast. And though a very few among us 
may furnish some faint shadow for such an opinion, how 
widely different is the requirement of every part and 
portion of all our lectures and charges ! Odd-Fellows 
should all and always be gentlemen. And by this term 
we mean precisely what the word itself means — men of 
kind, gentle, affectionate hearts ; conjoined, if possible, 
with refined tastes and cultivated minds, with courteous 
speech and easy manners. But let the mental qualifica- 
tions and outward appearance be what they may, the 



DUTIES A.ND DEPORTMENT OF ODD-FELLOWS. 201 



heart must be right. That right, and the man will be a 
gentleman — one of nature's making. 

Honesty — that primal qualification, without which no 
man can be an Odd-Fellow — absolutely requires that a 
fraternity whose mottoes are "In God Ave trust," and, 
"Friendship, Love, and Truth," and whose work is 
"the diffusion of the principles of benevolence and 
charity," should, in all their intercourse with the world 
and each other, (and especially in the Lodge,) illustrate 
those mottoes and diffuse those principles by a living 
example. And whoso does this, is a gentleman, belongs 
to the highest style of man. We care not what may be 
his descent, his occupation in life, (provided it be honest,) 
his personal appearance, or his dress : true gentility re- 
sides not in these fortuitous, factitious, or external cir- 
cumstances, but in the heart of the man. And hence 
every true Odd-Fellow — he who is friendly, truthful, 
sympathizing and benevolent in soul, is, and will be 
always, a gentleman. 

Cheerful, or mirthful even, he may be in all proper 
times and places ; but he will not jest with sacred 
things, nor treat the solemnities of our mysteries with 
a levity unbecoming one who understands their mean- 
ing and importance : least of all will he indulge in 
rudeness of speech or vulgarity of action on any occasion 
requiring decency of conduct and seriousness of mind. 

§ 5. Correctness in Working. 

We have treated elsewhere of the importance of re- 
membering what is called the written and unwritten 
work of the Order, but its utility induces a few addi- 
tional remarks in this place. 

The language as well as ideas employed in the initia- 



*>02 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



tor j ceremony, and in the lectures on the degrees, are 
beautiful and instructive enough to pay for the labor of 
carefully stowing it away in the memory. But where 
the verbal memory is not very good, the sentiments 
themselves, in their regular order, should be thus 
treasured up. Many an hour of meditation may be 
profitably occupied in considering their teachings. 

And especially should the working language of every 
Lodge-night be committed to memory by every brother 
aspiring to bear an office or pass the Chairs of his 
Lodge. The recitals of each officer are brief, and in 
familiar language, and may be readily committed in 
turn by any one who will give attention to them. The 
practice of using the book is a clumsy and embarrassing 
one ; one that greatly impairs the intended effect of the 
work of each evening and of initiation ; and one, too, 
which all State Grand Bodies should utterly abolish and 
forbid, as a few have already done. 

When we consider our unwritten work, however, that 
it is the universal language by which alone we may 
know, or be known of, a brother of whatever nation or 
language, and give or receive aid without fear of impo- 
sition, its correctness becomes a matter of very great 
importance. Our former illustration of a common vault 
and lock, with separate keys for each owner, is an ap- 
propriate one. Look at those keys. They are precisely 
alike; each slit and curve in any one is found in all the 
rest; and each finds a corresponding projection or in- 
dentation in the lock to answer to it. The lock of the 
treasure-vault is unalterable ; but the keys may be 
altered if their owners please. Suppose several of 
these proprietors (considering these slits and curves to 
be "mere trifles") alter their keys to suit the fancy of 
each. What is the consequence ? Needing some of 



DUTIES AND DEPORTMENT OF ODD-FELLOWS. 203 



the treasure in the vault, they apply their keys to the 
Iock:, but they will no longer fit and open it. Having 
no other proof of part-ownership, they must lose their 
share of the treasure, unless they can alter their keys 
back again to the original pattern. So with our un- 
written work, and the immense moral, social, and pecu- 
niary treasures of the Order of which that work is the 
key. Let no one presume to alter it, to suit an idle 
fancy, or neglect to render himself perfect in its use. 
Obtain the correct mode of performing it, from the 
proper sources, and then impress it strongly on your 
memory, that you may retain it. 

§ 6. Voting and Balloting. 

As the laws and acts of our Lodges are designed to 
be an expression of the will of the members, it becomes 
the duty of every member to vote when required, on any 
subject of interest or importance to his brethren or the 
Lodge. But especially is this the case in the admission 
of new members. Here each vote counts, and the omis- 
sion of a single negative may work great injury to a 
Lodge and the Order. The responsibility of each 
member is therefore increased, just in proportion to the 
power vested in him to prevent the evil. Now, while 
some of our brethren are too ready and willing to use 
the black ball, there are others — far too many, who 
shrink from using it under almost any circumstances, as 
if it were a base instrument. And not a few others, 
irritated by an occasional wrong use of the secret nega- 
tive, would abolish it altogether, and require every 
brother to state his objections in the open Lodge. Let 
us, therefore, consider the uses and abuses of our ballot. 

The secret ballot was instituted to afford the utmost 



204 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



freedom in expressing the individual will. By it, the 
most timid is enabled to give his assent or dissent to 
the placing of every stone in the great Temple of our 
Fraternity, unawed by the wealthy or influential brother 
at his side; fearless of the betrayal of his vote to the 
candidate by any weak brother who may happen to be 
in the Lodge ; secure from the knowledge of the can- 
didate, even should he afterward be admitted to mem- 
bership. Thus the absolute freedom of choice is secured, 
as fully and perfectly as human wisdom can contrive 
means to do so. And, surely, in a brotherhood so 
closely united, the fullest freedom in rejecting proposed 
associates should not only be allowed, but insisted on. 
And every brother who will rightly consider the subject, 
will perceive that it is his duty not only to maintain 
that right for others, but to exercise it himself. 

True, it may be, and sometimes is abused. But this 
only calls more loudly for its right use and careful 
preservation in its greatest purity. And for this pur- 
pose, our laws providing against the indulgence of 
personal pique, or party or sectarian prejudices, should 
be rigidly enforced against all offenders. Nor only 
this, but every brother should, by unvarying precept 
and example, enforce the right use of the ballot, by 
carefully abstaining from any wrong use of it in his 
own case. 

If a candidate is proposed, with whom we have un- 
fortunately had a collision in business, in politics, in 
religion, or in social intercourse, we should at once 
institute a rigid scrutiny of our opinions and feelings 
concerning him. The circumstances which led to that 
collision should be inquired into anew. Our own doings, 
and sayings, and deportment, during it, should be passed 
in careful review. If this still leaves us averse to him, 



DUTIES AND DEPORTMENT OF ODD-FELLOWS. 205 



we should inquire concerning his principles and disposi- 
tion, of his most intimate friends. If these are good — - 
if no other act than that collision testifies against him, 
we may be sure that we rest under some mistake or 
misunderstanding which a friendly interview would 
remove. Seek him, then, and an enemy may be lost 
and a friend gained, in whose favor we may conscien- 
tiously vote. A worthy brother once observed, "If 
the difficulty is only between the candidate and myself, 
I always vote for him; because I know that if he will 
only come into our Lodge, and heed the principles of 
the Order, we shall soon be friends again." He under- 
stood the uses and tendencies of our Order. 

But if, after all efforts, you are compelled to consider 
a candidate deficient in moral or social qualities, your 
duty is clear, is imperative — cast the black ball. If, 
in safety to yourself, you can forewarn his friends of 
your intention and the reasons therefor, do so, that he 
may be duly admonished, and, if possible, reformed. 

Many brethren, not considering all the doubts and 
motives which may induce a brother to cast a black 
ball, nor all the meanings that ball is therefore intended 
to express, have come to consider this small but powerful 
weapon of an Odd-Fellow's will as having only an evil 
meaning. This is a great and injurious error. It 
expresses not only a sense of condemnation, but of 
doubt or indecision. It may imply that the voter knows 
the candidate to be unworthy, but it may also mean 
that he lacks evidence to satisfy him that he is worthy. 
Black-balling a candidate, then, is not " branding him 
as a bad man," as some brethren suppose, and who 
therefore refrain from using it in cases of mere doubt, 
to the great injury of the Order. 

In most cases of doubt, or want of sufficient evidence, 
18 



206 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



ask a postponement of the ballot, giving the reasons, 
that information may be furnished, and that you may 
vote understandingly and decidedly. 

Remember, then, that the secrecy of the ballot must 
be maintained in its purity. Resist every attempt to 
impair or lessen its security; above all, to abolish it. 
Let no abuse of it ever induce you to deprive the Order 
of this safeguard to a free expression of the will of each 
member. If a man is not positively known to be 
worthy of admission, let no motives of false delicacy, 
or fear of giving offence, induce you to refrain from 
casting a black ball. But in casting it, be careful to 
avoid even the appearance of mere personal, party, 
sectional, or sectarian motives. And be vigilant in 
preventing any abuse of it by others. However disa- 
greeable and painful the duty, see that our laws in this 
respect are faithfully obeyed by others as well as your- 
self. 

§ 7. Duties to Self and Family. 

The love of self is made, by Christianity, the measure 
of love for our neighbor, not forgetting that " our 
neighbor is the suffering man, though at the farthest 
pole." We are to love our neighbor as ourselves, not 
better than ourselves. While we do unto others as we 
would have them do unto us, we must also remember 
that "he who provideth not for his own, and especially 
for those of his own household, hath denied the faith, 
and is worse than an infidel." Odd-Fellowship in its 
teachings is perfectly accordant with this instruction. 
Its groat, first qualification, Honesty, covers the entire 
ground of all man's relations and connections in life. 
No man can be a good Odd-Fellow, who neglects his 



DUTIES AND DEPORTMENT OF ODD-FELLOWS. 207 



business, suffers his affairs to become embarrassed, pro- 
vides not well and truly for his family, leaves his duties 
rest with added care on his wife and children, » to 
attend to Odd-Fellowship." Attend to dd- Fellow ship ! 
Mistaken man: in that very neglect he is neglecting 
our Order. He is providing trouble for his brethren in 
the accumulation of troubles for himself and family. 
He is imbittering the minds of that family, and arraying 
its influence and the influence of its friends, against the 
Lodge. He is bringing reproach on himself and on us ; 
for we are likely to be censured as the cause of his 
neglect, and his seducers from duty. 

There are special occasions enough, when duty to the 
Order, or to its sick and distressed members and fami- 
lies, calls our members from their domestic affairs, 
without making ordinary occasions an excuse for wast- 
ing whole days and half nights in mere talking, loitering, 
and idleness, under pretence of " attending to the duties 
of the Order." Two, or at most three evenings a week, 
to attend subordinate and Degree Lodge, and Encamp- 
ment, are usually suflicient. And if these be rightly 
improved, your family will willingly submit to your 
absence on the few special calls that occur in the course 
of each year. Only be faithful and attentive to your 
home duties, and you will find no difficulty in gaining 
their hearty assent to your attention to Lodge and 
Encampment duties. 

So in the other relations of life. Odd-Fellowship 
requires of her members attention to them all, public 
and private. It is the mark of a narrow soul or an ill- 
regulated mind, to become absorbed in one set of duties 
and relations, to the abandonment or partial neglect of 
the rest. And it is a sad mistake to spend the precious 
moments waiting to perform some great cieed of good, 



208 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



when every hour may witness some small kindness 
shown, some little utility performed. For, after all, 
life is made up, not of great necessities and wants, not 
of great acts and performances, but of numerous small 
ones. Each passing hour bears on its wings some call 
for duty to self and others. Do that, hour by hour, 
and your whole life will be one of utility and blessed- 
ness. It were as absurd to ask to live your life by 
years, instead of moments, at a time, as it is to expect 
performing your duty and gaining your rewards in 
great deeds alone, to the utter neglect of small but 
constantly recurring kindnesses to your family, your 
friends, and community around you. Be an Odd- 
Fellow, then, always and everywhere ; in your closet, 
at your fireside, in the social circle, at the festal board, 
in the abode of poverty or house of mourning, at the 
public gathering, and in the Lodge-room, remember and 
live the teachings of Odd-Fellowship, that you may be 
a blessing and a praise to it and to the world. 



CHAPTER XL 

OF COMMITTEE-MEN AND COMMITTEES. 

In large Lodges, or those whose situation and cir- 
cumstances create a large amount of business, special 
meetings and long sessions may generally be avoided 
by intrusting the arrangement and consideration of 
matters requiring much time and labor, to well-chosen 
Committees. But men who are careless in attendance, 
or indolent in working, or deficient in patience or judg- 



OF COMMITTEE-MEN AND COMMITTEES. 209 



ment, should never be placed on such Committees, or, 
indeed, on any Committees ; or if placed there, should 
be compelled to perform the duties assigned them by a 
rigid enforcement of the laws. 

§ 1. General Duties of Committees. 

The first-named member of a Committee is the Chair- 
man thereof until the Committee meets and chooses its 
Chairman in due form. As a false delicacy frequently 
prevents any movement to elect a Chairman, care should 
be taken to place the most active and best qualified 
brother at the head of each Committee. But as this 
cannot always be done, any error in the appointment 
may easily be remedied by the person appointed. 

Thus, if appointed on a Committee for which you are 
sure you are not qualified, and cannot qualify yourself, 
or whose meetings you cannot attend, at once respect- 
fully decline serving, frankly stating the reasons, that 
another better qualified or prepared may be appointed 
in your stead. Never accept an office of any kind 
which you feel confident you cannot render yourself 
competent to fill, or to whose duties you cannot attend. 

If appointed, and induced to accept, resolve to attend 
to it as if you alone were the Committee. Fix a time 
and place for the meeting, with consent of the other 
members, and notify the absent ones accordingly. Be 
there yourself precisely at or before the minute ap- 
pointed. If others are negligent in such promptness, 
impress upon their minds the importance of punctuality, 
even if it has to be done, as a last resort, by reporting 
their neglect to the Lodge. No man has a right, social 
or moral, to waste the precious time of others by keep- 
ing them waiting on his tardy movements. Even fifteen 

18* 



210 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



minutes thus lost would make an aggregate of one hour 
■where four brethren are concerned in it. 

If you are the first named of the Committee, as soon 
as the first meeting assembles, require them to elect a 
Chairman, on the ground that every body of men has a 
right to choose its own officers. This done, urge the 
entire attention of the Committee to the business in 
hand, until all is accomplished that can be, at that 
sitting ; until, if possible, the whole affair is thoroughly 
investigated, and the full report is understanding^ 
agreed to and signed. "Business first, pleasure after- 
ward." It is wrong to spend time in chit-chat, or idle 
discussions, to the delay of business. It only confuses 
the mind, and often keeps brethren from other engage- 
ments, or their families, and leads them to feel careless 
about attending thereafter, when such waste of time is 
the consequence. Postpone, therefore, every thing till 
after the main object of your meeting has received 
proper attention. 

Some Committees are so important, and their duties 
so regularly recurring, as to require more than the 
above general remarks. We give them, therefore, 
special directions. Their number and their names vary 
in different Lodges, but the following subjects embrace 
them all : — 1st. Investigation of applications for mem- 
bership. 2d. Examination of articles furnished and 
bills presented. 3d. Examination of the accounts of 
the Treasurer and Secretary at the close of each term 
or quarter. 4th. Disposal and management of the 
funds, loans, bonds, &c. held by the Lodge. 5th. Su- 
pervision of the regalia, furniture, fixtures, and other 
properties of the Lodge. 6th. Trial of members 
charged with offences. 7th. Relief of disabled mem- 
bers and distressed brethren. In some Lodges the 2d 



OF COMMITTEE-MEN AND COMMITTEES. 211 



and 3d are performed by the same Committee ; and in 
others the 3d, 4th, and 5th are discharged by the 
Trustees of the Lodge. The interested reader will ex- 
amine accordingly, under those several sections. 

§ 2. Investigating Committee. 

There is no Committee more important than this, 
especially in new Lodges, where there is a strong desire 
to increase the membership rapidly ; or in large towns 
and cities, where men are not personally so well known 
to each other, and where, therefore, the Lodge must 
rely wholly on the report made to it respecting a can- 
didate. If this Committee is careless in the performance 
of its duty, or lax in its standard of social and moral 
qualifications, in but a single instance, a grievous if not 
irreparable injury may be inflicted on many brethren, 
on the Lodge, and on the Order. Years may elapse 
before the evil can be arrested ; certainly before its 
consequences can be repaired. 

Even a man esteemed to sustain^ a good moral cha- 
racter, may be socially such that his admission will be 
worse than that of an outright bad man. The latter 
would be ejected at once, easily and lawfully ; but the 
former may foment disturbances and strifes, and get up 
factions and divisions, and introduce annoyances in the 
shape of unpleasant words and looks, so cunningly, that 
charges and specifications cannot easily be preferred, 
or conviction procured ; and yet a nest of wasps would 
be scarcely a less evil in the Lodge each night, than all 
would at last acknowledge him to be. But before such 
unanimity can be produced, the injured, the peaceably 
disposed and the honorable will have left, disgusted ami 
grieved, and the Lodge is not only weakened, but Ics 



212 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



character almost ruined in public estimation. And all 
this, merely because an Investigating Committee was in 
an easy humor, or too indolent or careless to make the 
necessary inquiry. 

Therefore we say, let no man be placed on that Com- 
mittee as a mere compliment. Select active, resolute 
men, who understand the duty, and will perform it 
faithfully; men of good moral and social character, 
and who will require the same in others. 

And let every member of such a Committee feel re- 
sponsible, as if he were the Committee ; as if the entire 
character, funds and welfare of the Lodge rested on his 
decision. Let him, in making inquiry, insist on having 
sufficient time to write abroad, if the candidate is not an 
old resident. Demand at least as careful inquiry as you 
would concerning an individual to whom you are about 
to lend a large sum of money. Reflect that our Lodge 
is our family, and that admission into it, frequently, 
almost necessarily, admits into our domestic circles also. 

Now, what characters are we willing to receive into 
the intimacy of a fraternal intercourse with ourselves, 
our wives,' brothers, sisters, sons or daughters? Does 
this question go too far ? Consider a few consequences 
of admission into our Order. 

1st. If laid on the bed of sickness, the candidate (if 
become a member) may be the visitor to call on you 
freely, mingle with your family, and impart to them the 
benefits allowed by your Lodge. Is he such a one as 
you would allow in this intimacy when you are, perhaps, 
unconscious of his doings, and at all events unable 
closely to observe his conduct ? Is he a man of princi- 
ple, of honor, of goodness of heart ? If not, why report 
in his favor ? 

2d. When you are sick or dying, he, if a member, 



OF COMMITTEE-MEN AND COMMITTEES. 213 



may be detailed to sit at your bedside during the silent 
■watches of the night. He will mingle with your loved 
ones when they most need sympathy and support, and 
when this want will render them most open and con- 
fiding. He will administer the medicines on which your 
life depends, when your family sleep under the double 
influence of deep grief and great weariness, and he is 
required to attend you with all a nurse's prudence and 
a brother's tenderness. And. should death invade the 
citadel of life, he will be amid your mourning family; 
perhaps at midnight ; their aider, consoler, and friend. 
Is he the man of kindly feelings and purity of life to be 
thus deeply, confidingly trusted in the craving want of 
sympathy, in the unguarded hours of mourning agony ? 
If not, how can you, in justice to your own and your 
brethren's families, refrain from doing your utmost to 
keep him out of your Lodge ? 

3d. When your mortal life has been dissolved by the 
chemistry of death, your widow and orphans may become 
the charge of your " brethren of the mystic tie." Then 
the proposed candidate, if a member, may be brought 
into a peculiar nearness to them as an official guardian 
and adviser. These duties may pave the way to many 
opportunities to pervert the tender principles of youthful 
gratitude and confidence, and abuse the trust of the widow 
and her orphans. Though a majority of the Lodge guard 
carefully their interest in its funds, his injuries may reach 
deeper, far deeper than they can guard against. Has 
he, then, that humanity which will make him truly fra- 
ternal in watching over their interests and welfare? 
Will he often "visit the widow and the fatherless in 
their afflictions," and yet prevent his visits from being 
a blighting curse, by keeping " himself unspotted from 



214 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



the world ?" Can you answer positively in the affirma- 
tive ? If not, how can you report favorably ? 

The man of lax morals or loose principles ; the de- 
spiser of public opinion in matters of reputation; the 
slanderer and contemner of female virtue ; the man who 
readily infers evil of others, and is free to insinuate his 
surmises against reputation; the unfeeling, the selfish, 
the vindictive, the jealous, the avaricious, the mean 
in conduct, are unfit to be members in our living 
Temple sacred to Friendship, Love, and Truth. That 
some such are already within its walls, but adds to the 
earnestness of our entreaty, to bring in no more such to 
fill up the vacancies we are making among their number 
by suspensions and expulsions. 

But if satisfied, from an examination of the candi- 
date's life, and especially his conduct in his family or 
among his intimate associates, that, notwithstanding the 
frailties common to our nature, he is still a man of 
humanity and sound principle, and worthy a seat in 
"our family," report in his favor at once. The influ- 
ences of Odd-Fellowship cannot render such a one worse, 
but will certainly make him a better man. But if 
doubtful, merely doubtful, report it, and give the 
Lodge the benefit of your doubt. Rejection is but for 
a few months, not for all time. It does not decide that 
he is positively univorthy, but only that he is not known 
to be worthy. 

§ 3. Finance Committee. 

The members should be practical men, well acquainted 
with business in general, that they may judge correctly 
concerning charges made for work done or articles fur- 
nished, and therefore of the quality of workmanship, 



OF COMMITTEE-MEN AND COMMITTEES. 215 



materials, and goods. They should be in attendance at 
each Lodge meeting, and not only read each bill, and 
know that the work or articles were ordered, (of which 
the Recording Secretary can inform them,) but they 
should ascertain from the Committee or officer ordering 
the same, that the bill is correct ; and then examine the 
work or articles themselves, and see that they are what 
were ordered. At least a majority of the Committee 
should endorse the bill as correct, and the Secretary 
should not read it, nor the Lodge order it paid, without 
such endorsement. 

§ 4. Auditing Committee. 

The members of this Committee should be careful 
accountants and good bookkeepers. They should meet 
for their quarterly work at least before the first night 
of the new quarter. When assembled, the Permanent 
Secretary and the Treasurer should also be present to 
aid them in their investigation, and the Recording 
Secretary with his books, should also be on hand, with 
all bills, receipts, and other vouchers. If the books have 
been properly kept, and the vouchers regularly labelled 
and filed, the task will be comparatively easy and brief; 
and if they have not been, it is the Committee's duty to 
report the neglect and the delinquent to the Lodge. 
And in no case, and under no circumstances, not even 
with the most exact and scrupulous officers, should any 
pecuniary act be taken for granted, or any part of the 
examination be lightly or carelessly hurried through or 
passed over. No man is infallible ; none are exempted 
from occasional mistakes ; and the very portion thus 
slighted may contain the important error. 

Now for the mode which frequent experience has 



216 THE ODD-FELLOWS MANUAL. 



taught us is the best in which to conduct the examina- 
tion. 

The Chairman, the Permanent Secretary, the Re- 
cording Secretary, and the Treasurer, (each of whom 
has a Report to draw up,) will provide themselves with 
materials for taking notes of all such items as they may 
desire to embody in their Reports. Then, one of the 
company will take the Record Book and the bills and 
receipts ; a second, the Draft Book and cancelled drafts ; 
a third, the Treasurer's Book and his receipts to the 
Permanent Secretary; a fourth, the Permanent Secre- 
tary's Blotter or Nightly Book, and a fifth, his Ledger. 
The whole can be gone through with, in the order here 
named, night by night, beginning with the last Quar- 
terly Reports and the first night's record of the quarter. 
Each, in turn, will find in his book, or vouchers, the 
items or amounts named, (if there,) and call them out, 
and check each with a pencil to note it as correct. If 
not correct, make it so, or, if doubtful, make a memo- 
randum of item, book, and page, for future reference. 
If every thing is correctly entered and properly vouched, 
then go through again, as before, to add up the amounts 
of each entry or page, and see that the footings are 
correct, and your work of auditing is completed. 

The Chairman, Secretaries, and Treasurer, having 
taken down the items for their Reports, can now pro- 
ceed to draw them off in due form for presentation to 
the Lodge. 

If the auditing is carefully performed, in the above- 
described method, it will not "need doing over again." 
Only remember that nothing is gained, but much time 
and labor may be lost, by being in a hurry; therefore 
"make haste slowly," and as you proceed, be sure of 
each item and of each, figure ; for every figure is a, fact. 



01' COMMITTEE-MEN AND COMMITTEES. 217 



§ 5. Trustees and Curators. 

In nearly all our Lodges, the duties of these two 
offices are vested in^the Trustees alone; we therefore 
treat of both in the same section. 

These officers should, at regular intervals — say, semi- 
annually — carefully inspect all the regalia, furniture, 
and other personal effects of the Lodge, noting their 
condition, putting them in good repair, and report their 
probable value to the Lodge, with suggestions for addi- 
tions, or their better preservation. To facilitate their 
labors, they should enter a list thereof in the Trustees' 
Book, (for every Lodge should insist on such a book 
being kept by its Trustees and Curators,) with the 
original cost of each article. And in the same book 
they should also enter this Report in full. 

The funds of the Lodge, whenever they accumulate 
in the Treasury to an amount greater than is necessary 
to meet the probable demands of the Lodge for current 
expenses, should be promptly and carefully invested by 
them, to the best advantage. They should ask the best 
security — the first bond and mortgage on real estate of 
double the value of the loan, if it can be procured — and 
at least ample security besides the mere credit of the 
borrower, however fair his reputation or ample his 
means. For as they will demand this of the poor bor- 
rower, who will find it difficult to procure security, fair 
dealing should lead them to require it of the wealthy 
one, who can easily procure it. 

A regular statement of all such transactions should 
be kept in the Trustees' Book, with the payments of 
interest, ready for immediate use, and the reference of 
the Lodge, and of the Auditing Committee, 

! 9 



118 the odd-fellow's manual. 



It is their duty, also, to consult the Lodge in regard 
to making all loans, or withdrawing them. They should 
collect al) interest moneys as soon as they become due 
to the Lodge. 

They should never be authorized to draw money, 
except from the Treasurer, by draft ordered by the 
Lodge ; and should be required to pay over promptly 
all moneys received by them for the Lodge, to the Per- 
manent Secretary, to be reported in his receipts to .the 
Recording Secretary, and paid over to the Treasurer. 
This regular proceedure in money matters should never 
be departed from, lest confusion scarce to be remedied 
creep into the financial affairs of the Lodge. 

§ 6. Charges and Trials. 

Except for non-payment of dues, (in which case no 
trial is needed,*) no brother can be suspended or ex- 
pelled without opportunity afforded him for a fair trial. 
Nor can he be put on trial, unless charges specifying 
the particular acts of his offence be first submitted to 
the Lodge of which he is a member, by a brother of the 



* The ordinary operations of a Lodge for non-payment of dues, 
are — 1. When a member is in arrears for thirteen nights, he is de- 
prived of the right of visiting any Lodge except his own, (and that 
only by special permission of the N. G.,) by having the Term P. W. 
withheld from him. He is also declared not entitled to benefits ; 
though in no case would a donation be refused to him in case of 
need. 2. When he is twelve months in arrears, he is duly notified of 
the fact, if within reach of a notice ; and if payment be not made in 
proper season, he is reported to the Lodge, and declared by the 
N. G. to be suspended for non-payment of dues. The process of his 
restoration differs in the several States, but is generally given 
clearly in the By-Laws of each Lodge. 



:F COMMITTEE-MEN AND COMMITTEES. 219 



Order. When such charges are presented, or a brother 
asks the mediation of the Lodge in regard to some 
fellow-member by whom he feels aggrieved, the Lodge 
refers the case to a special committee of five members, 
the peers of the accused. This Committee, whose 
duties are sometimes so arduous and painful, is one of 
the most difficult to instruct in their duties. A few 
very general directions and remarks are all we can 
pretend to offer them. 

1st. The charges should be brief, clearly expressed, 
and must embrace, besides the general charge, distinct 
specifications of the particular words or acts complained 
of, and the time when, and the place where committed ; 
and it would be well if there could be added the circum- 
stances which go to make up the intent or character of 
the offence. But if there be only a general, vague 
charge, without specification of the offence, the Com- 
mittee should return the charges to the Lodge, without 
further action. 

2d. If the charge or complaint is in due form, and 
the offence is not probably a heinous one, they will do 
well to examine the parties alone, separately, and see 
whether it may not be satisfactorily adjusted, without a 
formal trial. Not a few difficulties may thus be settled, 
alienated friends reconciled, and the peace and har- 
mony of the "Lodge be preserved. In this case, they 
will report to the Lodge that the case has been settled 
to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, and ask to 
have themselves discharged from the further considera- 
tion thereof. 

3d. If a mutual adjustment cannot be effected, or if 
the case is one that should not be settled privately, a 
trial is inevitable. Good common sense directing a 
sincere desire to do justice in the lov^ of salutary 



220 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



mercy, is the best guide for the Committee. No spec- 
tators should be allowed in the room. In some States, 
we believe, even counsel for the parties are not allowed: 
the parties must plead and manage their own cause. 
The witnesses should be admitted one at a time, and 
examined fully, separate and apart from each other. 
The parties should not be allowed to prompt them, or 
interfere with or interrupt them in any way ; nor, when 
examining them, to put to them leading questions. 
Yet every opportunity should be afforded to either 
party (and especially to the accused) to elicit all the 
information necessary to a full and fair decision of the 
case. The "Digest of the Laws of the Order," pub* 
lished by the Grand Lodge of the L^nited States,* directs 
that, "If a member of a Subordinate refuse to stand 
trial upon charges duly preferred, he cannot in his 
absence be tried, but may be expelled for contempt. 
If a member acknowledge his guilt upon charges pre- 
ferred, the penalty may be imposed without trial. 
Upon the trial of a member charged, an ex parte state- 
ment cannot be produced as testimony; his wife cannot 
be permitted to testify ; but all evidence tending to a 
fair investigation of his case may be admitted." — Di- 
gest, p. 50, Sections 25 to 27. 

4th. Having fully examined the case, and taken 
down, carefully, minutes of the testimony, they will 
dismiss the parties, and consider it maturely, and make 
up their verdict. If, in the judgment of the Com- 
mittee, the accused is innocent, they will at once acquit 



* A work that should be carefully studied by every brother who 
designs being active in his Lodge or the Order. Its cost is but 
about thirty-eight cents, and it may be had of any of our State 
brand Secretaries 



OF COMMITTEE-MEX AND COMMITTEES. 221 



him. If guilty, but not meriting suspension or ex- 
pulsion, their decision, whatever it may be, terminates 
the case, (unless either party appeals to the Lodge,) 
and they simply report their decision. But if an appeal 
is made to the Lodge, the whole case is opened by 
presentation of the minutes of testimony, and the state- 
ments of the parties, when, (if no want of formality or 
of fairness on the part of the Committee, be shown,) a 
vote of the Lodge determines the matter. If defect is 
pointed out in the proceedings of the Committee, the 
case may be referred back again, with instructions, or 
be given to a new Committee. 

The Committee are competent, also, to present the 
accuser for trial and punishment, if they believe he has 
been actuated by unworthy and improper motives in 
bringing charges which he was unable to prove. 

But if the case is one involving suspension or expul- 
sion, the Committee must report to the Lodge a reso- 
lution to that effect, along with their report of the trial. 
The Lodge will then appoint a time for considering the 
resolution, (fixed by the Constitution and By-Laws of 
the Lodge, and usually two weeks,) and notify the 
accused to be present. At that time, the resolution is 
acted upon, and the Lodge may vary the penalty at its 
pleasure. A vote of two-thirds of the members present 
is necessary to suspend or expel ; but a majority only 
is necessary on an appeal from a decision by the Com- 
mittee : that is, for a penalty less than suspension or 
expulsion. 

If a brother feel aggrieved by the decision of the 
Lodge, he can appeal to the Grand Lodge, or its Grand 
Master — stating specifically wherein the rules or forms 
of trial are believed to have been violated, or injus- 
tice done. A few additional remarks on the subject 

19* 



222 THE ODD-FELLOWS MANFAL. 

will be found under the head of District Grand Com- 
mittees and Appeal Committees. 

§ 7. Relief Committee. 

This Committee usually consists of the 1ST. G., V. G., 
and Recording Secretary of the Lodge ; but in some 
Lodges an addition is made to it of the Treasurer and 
three others, so as to have one member for each day of 
the week. In this case, the N. G. visits the sick or 
distressed brother the day after the Lodge-meeting, 
and leaves with his family the order drawn for benefits. 
The Treasurer visits him the day after this, and pays 
the order. The other members follow in succession, 
one each day. 

A few remarks on the manner of visiting the sick, 
may not be unnecessary here. This most important 
duty of our Order should never be neglected ; but it 
should also be performed with due regard to the welfare 
of the sick brother, and the comfort of his family. 

1st. Ascertain the condition of the sick, and the 
propriety of visiting him at his bedside, either from the 
family, or, what is better, from his physician ; and 
govern yourself strictly by the directions of the latter 
in all subsequent calls. 

2d. Be gentle, easy, and noiseless as possible in your 
approach toward a very sick man, to whom you should 
be announced, before you enter the room, by some one 
of the family or his nurse. Be calm in appearance, 
speak in a moderate, smooth, and pleasant voice, (a 
whisper is more annoying to most persons than a loud 
voice,) ask but few questions, and be careful not to 
converse too much, or on trying subjects. When a 
patient is very weak, speaking and hearing are quite 



OF COMMITTEE-MEN AND COMMITTEES. 223 



fatiguing. From two to five minutes, in such cases, are 
long enough for an ordinary visit. 

3d. When the patient is recovering, and needs com- 
pany to cheer him up and occupy his time, give him 
due attention yourself, and induce those brethren to 
call upon him with whom he was particularly intimate, 
or to whom he felt great attachment. A wealthy bro- 
ther, of respectability and influence, can at such times 
show his sense of our principles by visiting his more 
humble brethren with whom he is well acquainted, and 
by leaving with them books and papers to occupy their 
time, or sending them such little delicacies as their 
varying and capricious appetites may crave. And the 
visits of the brethren generally will be acceptable, and 
should be paid. 

4th. In visiting widows and female orphans of the 
Lodge, greater circumspection generally is needed than 
in visiting those of our own sex. Let two of the Com- 
mittee, in such cases, visit in company, or one with the 
physician, or, better still, if married, or if you have 
near female relatives, induce one of the ladies to ac- 
company you ; or, best of all, organize a Visiting 
Committee of Daughters of Rebekah, to whom, in con- 
nection with their husbands, brothers, or sons of the 
Committee, all visitation might be confided. No man 
can equal woman's tenderness and tact in the sick-room, 
or with the distressed family, or the mourning group. 

Lastly. Time your visits to suit the most convenient 
hours of the family, and especially to meet the best 
intervals of the patient. Be sympathising, but hopeful 
and cheerful in your intercourse with them ; for much 
depends on the state of feelings that may be inspired 
in the patient by the countenances and words of those 
around him. 



224 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



Watchers with the sick will find in the above direc- 
tions a few hints that may guide them in the proper 
mode of performing their duties. The rest they will 
receive from the physician or the regular nurse. 



CHAPTER XII. 

OF APPOINTED OFFICERS. 

§ 1. Appointment and Service. 

The Officers of a Subordinate Lodge are divided into 
elective and appointed. The appointed officers are the 
R. and L. Scene Supporters, R. and L. Supporters of the 
Vice Grand, R. and L. Supporters of the Noble Grand, 
I. and 0. Guardians, the Conductor, and the Warden ; to 
which is added, in some Lodges, the Chaplain. All these 
are appointed by the N. G. on his installation into office, 
except the R. and L. Supporters of the V. G., who are 
appointed by the V. G. at his installation.* Twenty-six 
nights' service in one or more of these offices qualifies 
the incumbent to be a candidate for the Vice Grand's 
chair, provided he has attained sufficient degrees and is 
competent. The general and special duties and powers 
of each officer are defined in the charge books, installa- 
tion service, and in the Constitution and By-Laws of 



* The Digest says that all these officers are appointed by the N. Gr., 
and gives "usage" as authority. But it is evidently a typographical 
or other error ; for all "usage," past and present, is as above stated; 
and propriety demands that the V. Gr. should have the appointment 
of his own advisers and assistants. 



OF APPOINTED OFFICERS. 225 



each Lodge. But it may be useful to enumerate the 
most important of them in this work. 



§ 2. The Chaplain. 



:-\Kl 




Jewel. — The proper and usual jewel of this office is 
the Holy Bible, made of white metal.* 

Regalia. — A white apron, with white (or silver; 
fringe, and trimmed with the color of the degree of 



* To save repetition, we will say here, once for all, that in Subordi- 
nate Lodges, the jewel is usually suspended from the side of the collar, 
on the left breast ; and in Grand Lodges, in front, at the joining of 
the collar, or is suspended by a ribbon or chain around the neck, so 
as to depend in front,, in about the same position. Where officers 
wear the sash, it is suspended from that, where it crosses the left 
breast. 

Another tasteful mode is to suspend it from the point or joining of a 
gorget, or smaller collar, Avorn over and within the larger one, so 
as to have it suspended in front, on the breast. There is no specifio 
law or usage regulating this subject, that we know of. 



i'26 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



the wearer. A white sash, with white (or silver) fringe 
and lace, and rosettes exhibiting color of the degree. 

Station. — Usually at the right hand of the Past 
Grand, (about the middle of one side of the room,) 
whose chair he occupies during service. 

Duties. — To open and close the Lodge with the ap- 
pointed prayers, and to officiate at the funeral of a 
brother, and on other public occasions. 



§ 3. R. and L. Scene Supporters, 

Regalia. — A white apron trimmed with white, and a 
white sash. The manner of wearing the sash in the 
Lodge, is sometimes varied, for the sake of effect, by 
different Lodges. There is no jewel attached to this 
office. The skull and crossed bones are sometimes 
painted on the aprons. 

Station. — In front, but a little to the right and left 
of the Vice Grand's chair. Their chairs are usually 
placed on the floor of the Lodge, in front of the plat- 
form occupied by the V. G. and his Supporters. 

Duties. — They deliver the charges of their office at 
initiations, bear their wands of office (white) in proces- 
sions ; and at funerals, the same, trimmed with crape. 



§ 4. R. and L. Supporters of the V. G. 

Regalia. — A white apron trimmed with blue, and a 
blue sash usually trimmed with white. The sashes 
should be worn as those of the Scene Supporters, to 
produce uniformity. 

Station. — On the right and left of the Vice Grand, 
as their titles indicate. In some Lodges, they are 



OF APPOINTED OFFICERS. 227 



placed a little forward of the V. G., and on the second 
Btep of the platform. 

Duties. — The Eight Supporter should be proficient 
in the business and work of a Lodge, as he is the official 
adviser of the Yice Grand, and occupies his chair during 
any temporary absence of that officer. And both should 
be quick in detecting any irregularities in entering or 
leaving the Lodge, as it is their duty to correct every 
member or visiter who is not in proper regalia, or who 
addresses the chairs incorrectly. 

§ 5. R. and L. Supporters of the N. Gr. 

Regalia. — A white apron trimmed with scarlet, and 
a scarlet sash, usually trimmed with white. The sashes 
should be worn in uniformity with those of the other 
chair. 

Station. — At the right and left of the N. G., to cor- 
respond with those of the opposite chair. 

Duties. — The Right Supporter should be well versed 
not only in the business and work of the Lodge, but also 
in the rules of order and debate; as he is the official 
adviser of the N. G., and my^t occupy his chair during 
the temporary absence of Slat officer. It is also his 
duty to open and close the Lodge in due form when di- 
rected by the N. G. 

The duty of the Left Supporter is to correct every 
brother (whether visiter or member) who is not in 
proper regalia, or does not address the chair correctly. 

The Supporters of both chairs occupy their respective 
posts in regard to the principal officers, at funeral and 
other processions, bearing their wands of office, of the 
proper colors, (blue and scarlet,) and trimmed suitably 
for the occasion. 7 



228 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 




6. I. and 0. Guardians, 

Jewel. — The prescribed jewel of 
these offices is Crossed Swords made 
of white metal. 

Regalia. — For the Outside Guar- 
dian, a white apron trimmed with 
scarlet, and a scarlet sash trimmed 
with white. For the Inside Guar- 
dian, a white apron trimmed with 
blue, and a blue sash trimmed with 
white. Both wear swords while on 
duty. 

N. B. — We have given the above as the general usage in those 
States in which we are acquainted. The usage in some sections may 
be different. The Digest gives no direction whatever in the matter 
of their regalia. 

Station. — The Outside Guardian is stationed at, or 
within sight and hearing of, the outer door, after the 
Lodge is opened. Before it is opened, at the proper 
signal, he must secure the outer door, return to the 
Lodge-room and wait for orders beside the inner door. 
The Inside Guardian s station is in the Lodge-room, at 
the inner door. 

Duties. — The Outside Guardian has charge of the 
anteroom. He must prevent any one from entering 
from without, who has not the regular P. W., except by 
special orders from the N. G., to whom he will imme- 
diately communicate any unauthorized demand for ad- 
mission, or other questions of doubt, through the I. G. 
Guarding the first entrance to the Lodge, his office is a 
very responsible one, and requires much courtesy, com- 
bined with great decision and energy of character. 



OF APPOINTED OFFICERS. 229 



The Inside Guardian must always be ready to com- 
municate with the 0. G. He is to admit no one (except 
by special orders of the officer in charge of the Lodge) 
who is not in proper regalia, and in possession of the 
explanation of the P. W. ; and must allow none to pass 
out and return, who has not the evening word, or 
V. G.'s P. W. He will always report to the officer in 
charge of the Lodge. When an intruder or disorderly 
member is to be ejected from the Lodge-room, both 
these officers should act promptly and vigorously, but 
with as much mildness as is consistent with the necessity 
of such a painful duty. 



§ 7. The Conductor. 

Jewel. — The jewel of this office 
is Crossed Axes of white metal. In 
some Lodges the Conductor bears 
the Axe as an emblem of his office ; 
in others, a long black staff, sur- 
mounted with a white or gilt globe, 
or an open hand bearing a heart in 
the palm. 

Regalia. — A white apron trim- 
med with black, and a black sash 
usually trimmed with white. 
Station. — « The Warden should sit to the right and 
in front of the N. G. The Conductor's place is to the 
left, and in front of the N. G. These places are the 
ones recognized by the most established usages of the 
Order, and we do not think it right to deviate from the 
old customs." — Editorial in Covenant, vol. iv. p. 238. 

Deviations are made, however. In some Lodges, the 

20 




230 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Warden, and in others the Conductor occupies a chair 
fitted up purposely, opposite the P. Gr. 

Duties. — The Conductor is ex-officio the assistant of 
the Warden, when not engaged in his own special duties. 
But in Pennsylvania, (and possibly in some other States,) 
a » Junior Warden" is appointed, and the Conductor con- 
fined to the duties proper to his own office. This, though 
a deviation from law and usage, is a very convenient and 
useful arrangement. 

The Conductor is to receive the candidates in the ante- 
room, and deliver the charge of his office at the proper 
season. He should have a ready memory and be a good 
speaker, as he is to make the first, and therefore most 
important impression. 

§8. The Warden. 

Jewel. — Crossed Wands, of 
white metal. He sometimes 
bears, as a badge of his office, a 
long black staff, usually sur- 
mounted with a ball, gilt or 
white. 

Regalia, — The regalia of the 
Warden is a white apron trimmed 
with black, and a black sash 
trimmed with white. 
Station. — This has been treated of under the pre- 
ceding section. 

Duties. — The office is an important one, and requires 
much personal attention. He has charge of the entire 
wardrobe of the Lodge, and must place the regalia for 
the use of the officers and members before the Lodge 
opens, and replace it in its proper depository, after the 




OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 231 



Lodge closes, reporting any damage it may have sus- 
tained to the N. G., and receivings.his orders in relation 
to it. In short, he has a general supervision of the fur- 
niture of the Lodge-room, and his duty is to make it 
comfortable. He must examine every person present 
before the Lodge is opened, reporting promptly to the 
N. G . every one he finds not fully qualified to remain in 
it. At least once a month this examination should be 
thorough, passing by no one. He is to deliver all sum- 
monses that may be issued by the Lodge, and is the 
Messenger of the Lodge during its sessions. Surely 
such an office requires an active, attentive, and obliging 
brother for its incumbent; and even the aid of a 
" Junior Warden" will hardly make it a sinecure ! 

His official charge is an important one, not easy to 
deliver effectively, and requires, therefore, not only a 
good memory and delivery, but talent besides, of a 
peculiar order. The office accordingly ranks high in 
the Lodge, and is rarely too well filled. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 



The elective officers of a Subordinate Lodge are the 
Treasurer, the Permanent and the Recording Secretaries, 
the Vice Grand, and the Noble Grand. The Treasurer 
and the Permanent Secretary are usually elected for 
one year. Sometimes the duties of both Secretaryships 
are performed by one person; and in Pennsylvania, 
both are divided between two persons ; the Secretary, 
who is elected for one year, having supervision of the 
accounts and records ; and the Assistant Secretary, who 



232 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



is elected for six months, aiding in either or both de< 
partments, and acting as a member of the Relief Com- 
mittee. Other officers, as Trustees, &c, may be elected, 
by provision of the By-Laws of each Lodge, but are not 
necessarily considered as known to the Order. And 
the N. G., after serving his term, becomes for the next 
term the "Sitting Past Grand" of the Lodge, without 
election or appointment. 

The qualifications for office, as to degrees, differ in 
various States ; but in nearly, if not quite all, the elec- 
tive offices must be filled with Scarlet Degree members. 
As no one should wear a color in his regalia to which 
he is not entitled by degree, all the offices should be 
filled with members of the degree implied by their 
regalia. 

To constitute an election to the elective offices, a 
majority of all the votes cast is necessary. And twenty- 
six nights' service as Vice Grand is necessary to eligi- 
bility to the Noble Grand's Chair. 

The special duties of officers vary in different juris- 
dictions, and even the general duties prescribed by the 
Grand Lodge of the United States are varied in some 
States by regulations peculiar to themselves. The Con- 
stitution and By-Laws of each subordinate, and the in- 
structions given at installation and by the Grand Lodge 
of each State, will be their guide in all that is peculiar 
as well as general. Here we can only note what we 
deem most important in either. Though the Treasurer 
has precedence of the Permanent Secretary, yet for 
convenience in consulting the duties of both Secreta- 
ries continuously, we here consider first 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 233 




§ 2. The Treasurer, 

Jewel. — Crossed Keys of white 
metal. 

Regalia. — A white apron trimmed 
with green, and a green collar usu- 
ally trimmed with white (or silver) 
lace or fringe. 

Station. — On the left of the No- 
ble Grand, on a line and a level with 
the Recording Secretary. 

Duties. — He is the Banker of 
the Lodge, and should therefore be a good bookkeeper, 
a rigid accountant, and a man of strict integrity and re- 
spectable business talent. Whatever his wealth and 
standing in society, his bond, with ample security, should 
be as rigidly required, before installation, as if he were 
the poorest member. As the ability of the Lodge to 
aid its members in distress and furnish relief to their 
families depends mainly on the proper management of 
its funds, the Lodge cannot be too careful in filling this 
office well, and then in keeping it well filled. 

He should keep careful watch over all the moneyed 
affairs of the Lodge. He should insist on receiving all 
moneys through the Secretary, and on having all the 
forms and safeguards of business observed before he 
receives or pays out a cent. His books should ever be 
ready for an exhibition of the Lodge funds, and every 
voucher be properly labelled and filed. He should be 
present, if possible, at every stated meeting, to receive 
the receipts at the close ; and at the end of each term 
he should present his books and vouchers to the Auditing 
Committee, aid them in their labors, and make out a 
full report of his own department for the Lodge. 

20* 



234 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 




§ 3. The Permanent Secretary, 

Jewel. — Crossed Pens of white 
metal. 

Regalia. — A white apron 
trimmed with green, and a green 
collar trimmed with white (or sil- 
ver) lace or fringe. 

Station. — This varies in dif- 
ferent Lodges. At the side of the 
room, opposite the P. Grand's 
chair, when not otherwise occu- 
pied, or at the side of the V. 
Grand's chair, opposite the I. G-., 
is a good place, convenient of access, and aside from 
the other business of the Lodge. 

Duties. — He is the bookkeeper and accountant of 
the Lodge. He receives all moneys paid the Lodge, 
giving a receipt therefor, in each case, and pays the 
same over to the Treasurer each evening, taking his re- 
ceipt for the same in a small book kept for that purpose. 
His accounts should be regularly posted, that he may 
render to any brother a statement of his account, on 
demand, or to the N. G-. a statement of the arrears of 
the brethren, at any time. At the end of each term he 
will aid the Auditing Committee in their duties, and pre- 
pare the semi-annual Report for the Grand Lodge to 
which his Lodge is attached. 

As so much of the peace and prosperity of the Lodge 
depends on a careful attention to the accounts of the 
same with its members, too much vigilance and exact- 
ness cannot be exercised by this officer. We hope to be 
excused, therefore, for occupying considerable room 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 235 



with some remarks on Lodge bookkeeping, a confused 
or vague subject even to some businessmen; and one 
that has cost not a few Lodges many dollars in the pur- 
chase of successive sets of books to meet the change of 
system introduced by each new officer in succession. 
We give the results of the experience of several able 
officers and past-officers in that department. 

(1.) The System by Double Entry. 

A correspondent of the "Ark," published in Colum- 
bus, Ohio, in October, 1849, published directions on this 
subject, which he carefully revised and republished in 
December, 1850, with the approval of the editor, him- 
self a Past Grand Secretary, as " the best that can be 
adopted." We therefore give it nearly entire, as fol- 
lows : — 

System. — No system of bookkeeping will combine all necessary 
debits and credits as that known as "double entry." If the single 
entry system is adopted by a Lodge, or by the bookkeeper of the 
Lodge, in order to make all the necessary debits and credits it will 
require much more labor and care to keep the accounts correct, and 
is more liable to omissions and errors. It is found to be advantageous 
to a Lodge to continue a competent bookkeeper a longer time than 
the term prescribed by law. 

Benefits shall be drawn and paid weekly by the N. G. or V. G. of the 
Lodge, and ought to be announced weekly, or at the first ensuing 
meeting of the Lodge, in order to be entered on the minutes. Debit 
benefit account and credit the brother the amount of benefits an- 
nounced, then debit the brother and credit Treasurer for the amount 
of the order. Accruing quarterly dues must be deducted and paid 
from benefits as they become due. Benefits ordered to be placed to 
the credit of a member is the same as that much cash paid. 

Petitions. — The money accompanying a petition ought to be kept 
in the petition until the night of initiation, when the full amount 
should be credited, and the candidate debited to "initiation tee." 



236 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



The dates and amount of debit and credit should correspond. The 
card deposited with a petition of a member of the Order ought to be 
well secured by wafer to the petition, and both filed away together. 

Letters. — You ought to preserve a copy of your official letters sent 
away, particularly those regarded as important. 

Fines. — A good time to debit fines is when the brother fails to be- 
come excused, and when the record is made that he is fined. To de- 
bit each absent officer at each meeting when he is absent, would in- 
crease the number of entries of debits and credits, which can be 
avoided as above stated. 

Deposite of Cards. — In opening the books of a new Lodge, or at any 
time thereafter, the fee must be debited to the brother who is elected 
to membership, and credited to card deposite account. The initia- 
tion account and this account ought not to be mingled together. By 
a decision of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, the date of membership com- 
mences on the night of election on card. From that time he is 
chargeable with dues, and not from the time of examination. 

Degrees and Cards. — Debit the applicant for degrees or cards only 
on the evening the same is granted. The cash for degrees is required 
by law to be paid on the evening of application ; if not then paid, 
payment ought to be made on the evening of election. Degrees con- 
ferred on a member to qualify him to fill an office in opening a new 
Lodge, must be charged up against such member [if not gratuitous] 
as though he had applied for them at any other time. 

Notices. — It has been customary to notify each member of the time 
of the election of officers. In a corner of the written or printed no- 
tice the amount of arrearages might be stated, so as to enable the 
brother to come prepared to pay his indebtedness. 

Quarterly Dues. — In the week previous to the last meeting, [at the 
end of each quarter,] charge up the quarterly dues under the date 
of the last meeting [of the quarter.] On the night preceding the 
last meeting in each quarter, have prepared a list of the members 
who are indebted, with the amount due by each. In that list include 
the dues of the expiring quarter. In cases of withdrawal, expul- 
sion, or death, debit the account of the expelled, &c. with the 
amount of dues up to the time of withdrawal, &c. 

Collection of Dues. — It is the duty of the Permanent Secretary to 
receive all moneys due the Lodge. It is the interest of the Lodge to 
have payments made regularly as the dues accrue, and the Perma- 
nent Secretary ought to consider it his duty to call on all the mem- 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 237 



bers, as far as lie can, who are not prompt in paying up. He ought 
also to see that the requirements of the laws in regard to the appli- 
cations for degrees and cards are complied with. In the absence of 
any provision in the Constitution, requiring collections to be made 
by the P. S., it might result to the advantage of some Lodges if tbey 
would adopt a provision in their By-Laws imposing that duty on him. 

Cash. — The money accompanying petitions ought not to be entered 
or credited on the cash receipts until initiation, or election on card 
deposited, for fear the petition may be withdrawn, or the applicant 
rejected. If the money should be entered on the account-book pre- 
vious to election, and afterward the petition be withdrawn, you 
would be opening a new account which would not be continued. It 
is no advantage to fill your account-book with such names. Cash is 
debited and the members credited for payments. The P. S. is ac- 
countable for all cash entered. 

Receipts. — The Treasurer's receipts to the P. S. ought to be taken 
in a small book kept for that purpose. 

Fractions. — Avoid fractions of a cent, as they are very trouble- 
some. [Doubted whether the saving of trouble would pay for the 
loss of money where the dues are six and a fourth cents weekly.] 

Watch Notices and Sick List. — The P. S. is required to make out 
these notices, but no law says he shall serve them. A small book, 
that can be carried in the pocket, should be kept as a sick list, to 
contain, first, a list of the members of the Lodge, with parallel lines, 
in which a mark should be made to credit watching with a sick bro- 
ther ; second, to give the date, the names of the watchers, and the 
name of the person with whom he watched. The first list to occupy 
a few pages in the first part of the book; the second list requires 
more paper. 

Register. — You are required to keep a correct register of the mem- 
bers, with the date of initiation, name, number, how admitted, age, 
occupation, residence, date and number of degrees taken, time of 
withdrawal, [or suspension, expulsion, &c.,] and a column for P. 
Grands. Also a register of notices of expulsion from and by other 
Lodges, with the cause, &c. 

Letter Boole. — The Letter-Book should contain an abstract of your 
Semi- Annual Reports. A copy is required to be taken and kept. 

Reports. — You are required to report to the Grand Lodge semi- 
annually It requires the amount of receipts to be reported, viz 
initiations, cards deposited, quarterly dues, degrees, fines, and 



238 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



ionations. On the total amount, a percentage is to be paid to the 
Grand Lodge. If the following course is pursued, justice will be 
done to both Lodges. It has been adopted by the one in Columbus. 
At the end of each term, take the amount placed to the credit of each 
of these accounts, first deducting all the debits that occurred during 
the term, and report them as receipts. Some individuals may be 
in arrears at the time, but they must be overlooked until any one 
of such may be expelled. When any member is expelled, debit the 
account of qiiarterty dues with the amount of arrears, and deduct 
that amount from the amount credited to that account during that 
term, and report the remainder as the receipts on which to pay per- 
centage. The reason for this procedure is this: — The Lodge has 
already paid percentage on the amount of arrears of the expelled 
member, and as the Lodge has not received any money, it is but 
justice to cancel an equal amount of dues of the current term. In 
the event of reinstation and full payment of dues, then the amount 
paid by the person reinstated must be reported as receipts during 
that term. In your Report, if you put opposite each name of mem- 
bers initiated or admitted on card, their number on the Register, it 
will enable the officer of the Grand Lodge to discover any omission, 
and to find the proper name on his Register, where two or more may 
be nearly the same. 

Great care should be taken in making out the Report, to have it 
declared "correct," and it should be ready for approval at the first 
meeting of the term, [and be signed by the N. G. of the past term,] 
and immediately forwarded to the Grand Lodge, with the amount 
of percentage due ; also, if possible, with a certificate in favor of 
the new Past Grand. A list of Past Grands is required to be fur- 
nished at the end of the year, on your Report. In some conspicuous 
place, write the day of the week on which your Lodge meets. This 
Report should be ready to be enclosed, with amount of percentage 
and P. Grand's certificate, to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of 
Ohio, on the day following the first meeting of the term. 

Balance Sheets. — You will prepare a balance-sheet of all debits and 
credits standing in your Ledger, for the Auditing Committee, and 
file it. 

Balancing Accounts. — Often balancing accounts consumes paper 
without effecting much good. In accounts, such as quarterly dues, 
initiations, &c, where there is no debit, avoid the common practice 
of balancing bj merely drawing a line under the credit column, and 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 239 



setting down the total amount. This may be done with initiation 
account, degrees, &c, where there are a number of entries. In the 
account of quarterly dues, once a year is often enough. 

Accounts. — In order to keep a good set of books, it is necessary 
that the following accounts be opened, viz., Cash, Treasurer, Initia- 
tion, Cards deposited, Quarterly Dues, Degrees, Expense, Benefits, 
Grand Lodge, Charity ; and it may be necessary, for convenience, 
to add the following: — Travelling and Visiting Card, Widows and 
Orphans, Percentage, Representative Tax, Regalia, Emblems, and 
Jewels. It will be found convenient to the accountant to have a 
number of pages left for each of the first, second, third, sixth, 
seventh, and eighth accounts named above. 

The foregoing directions, though intended only for 
the meridian of Ohio, are applicable generally. And 
though adapted for the system of double entry, many 
of them will be found equally useful where the system 
of single entry alone is used : as it is used in our 
Lodges very generally, especially in Pennsylvania, in- 
cluding Philadelphia. 

(2.) The System by Single Entry. — In many Lodges, 
keeping the books by double entry would only increase 
trouble and perplexity, and is totally unnecessary, 
especially where the duties of accountant and recorder 
are performed by but one Secretary. We add, then, 
in addition to what is applicable in the foregoing, a few 
remarks. 

The Permanent Secretary will need 

1. A Blotter, (or Day or Night Book, as some term 
it,) in which to record each payment of any kind as 
soon as made. Enter it carefully, and legibly, stating 
for whom, for what, and by whom it is made. At the 
close of each Lodge-meeting, add up the receipts since 
the last meeting, and report the amount, with the names 
of payers, to the Lodge, that errors may be corrected, 
and the amount be entered on the Minutes. 



240 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



2. A Ledger, in which allot to each member a portion 
of a folio, whereon to post the payments from the Blotter. 
The charges for dues should be made quarterly. 

3. Book of Blank Receipts, so that he can readily 
fill and cut out one for every payment, and mark in the 
margin the amount, date, and name of payer. 

4. Receipt Book, in which to take the Treasurer's 
Receipt for each evening's payment. 

5. Register, containing a list of members in order of 
initiation or admission, when admitted, and how; age, 
residence, occupation ; date of taking each degree, and 
office held ; time of withdrawal, death, suspension, &c. 
This book is generally kept by the Recording Secretary, 
as also Nos. 6 and 7 following. 

6. Black Book, containing a list of rejections, sus- 
pensions, and expulsions, of your own or neighboring 
Lodges, with dates and causes, when known. 

7. Sick and Watch Rolls may be in the same book. 
The first should contain the name, when reported, dates 
of benefits, dates of watches, and date of recovery. 
The latter, a complete list of members, should have a 
column to enter date of service, (or neglect, paid by 
fine.) 

8. Letter Book, containing copies of all important or 
business letters sent, numbered to correspond with those 
to which they reply, or with the replies, on your files. 
In this book copy at length your Reports, and an 
abstract of the Reports of the Treasurer and the Au- 
diting Committee, for reference. 

When benefits are awarded, immediately calculate 
the brother's indebtedness, (if any,) and hand the memo- 
randum (with a receipt) to the Treasurer, to be deducted 
by him, paid to you, and credited to the sick brother. 
This saves the sick the trouble of sending his arrears 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 



241 



to the Lodge by a special messenger, and is a safe- 
guard against his running into arrears sufficient to work 
loss of benefits during his illness. 

The above is probably more than sufficient to guide 
the unpractised officer of a new Lodge ; but it is hoped 
may prove useful, until experience shall furnish its 
more certain directions. One thing let the Lodge be 
resolved against — frequent changes in its modes of 
keeping accounts. They are not only costly and 
troublesome, but by the copying which they render 
necessary with every new set of books opened, they 
render mistakes almost unavoidable and past searching 
out for correction. Adhere, then, to the system first 
chosen, and keep in office your Permanent Secretary so 
long as he performs well and can be retained. 



4. The Recording Secretary. 



Jewel. — The jewel of this is 
the same with the preceding 
officer — Crossed Pens of white 
metal worn suspended from the 
collar. 

Regalia. — Also the same as 
the preceding — a white apron 
trimmed with green, and a green 
collar usually trimmed with wb ite 
(or silver) lace or fringe. 

Station. — On the right of the 
Noble Grand — not on the same 
level, though sometimes a little in advance ; but always 
on a line with the Treasurer. 

21 




242 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



Duties. — He is the recorder of the proceedings of 
the Lodge, and its general corresponded and the cus- 
todian of its seal and its documents generally. 

As the rights and privileges of members, and the 
existence of the Lodge itself, in cases of charges against 
either, may depend upon the records, it is very im- 
portant that they be correctly kept, and by some regular 
system. Let the first draft be taken down on a quire 
or two of paper stitched in a cover, from whence, after 
being approved by the Lodge, they should be carefully 
and neatly copied into the Minute or Record-Book. 

The following general directions we copy from the 
"Ark," for December, 1850, where they appear with 
the approval of its practical Editor: they are as good 
as our own experience could offer : — 

Minutes. — Much care should be taken to keep a neat record of the 
transactions of your Lodge. There ought to be the space of three 
to six lines left between the proceedings of each meeting. Leave a 
blank line between the record of each subject: it will enable you 
more readily to find any matter of record at any future day. After 
reading the minutes of the previous meeting, and approval, is a good 
time to require absentees, if present, to offer their excuses. When 
absentees offer their excuses, the result should be recorded imme- 
diately after the approval of the minutes, that the record of the 
absentees and the excuses for previous absence may be near together, 
and easily found. All unimportant unsuccessful motions might bfc 
omitted, and yet the record be true as to the proceedings. The 
record of each meeting ought to be headed with the name and number 
of the Lodge, and the date ; and closed by the attest and signature 
of the Secretary. The By-Laws of the Lodge ought to be neatly 
copied in the Minute-Book, [or Constitution and By-Laws, when 
printed, pasted in,] when the same is adopted, with sufficient space 
for adding all amendments, whenever made. [All questions of order 
and precedents, should also be entered in a separate place for con- 
venient reference, as well as in the minutes.] A list of payments 
by members, or aggregate of receipts of the evening, as reported by 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 243 



the Per. Sec, ought to be embraced in the minutes, just previous to 
the signature of the Secretary. Also, where the degrees are con- 
ferred by the officers of the Lodge, the record should immediately 
precede the Secretary's name. 

Cards. — The dues of an applicant for a Visiting Card must be paid 
up to the time the card extends, with cost of card, previous to its 
delivery. For final card to the time of granting the same, together 
with the cost of it as fixed by law. It is the duty of a member 
having a Visiting Card, to return it at the expiration of the time for 
which it was given. 

Degrees. — The applicant for degrees is required by law, [in Ohio,] 
to be free from indebtedness to the Lodge. The degrees must be 
paid for at the time of application, or previous to balloting for the 
same, as the election for degrees, where payment is not made, is not 
valid. 

Filing. — Letters and other valuable papers received, ought to be 
carefully folded, numbered, nature and date intelligibly endorsed on 
one end, and filed away : the letters and notices by themselves, and 
the following in different packages, viz. Petitions, Reports, Bills and 
Accounts, Bonds and Agreements, Certificates for Benefits, \ isiting 
Cards returned, Miscellaneous. 

Postage, §c. — Keep an account of postage paid and stationery fur- 
nished, and present a bill of the same at the end of the quarter or 
term. 

Treasurer's Bond, as required by the Constitution, ought to be 
prepared by the Secretary for the signatures of the Treasurer elect 
and his sureties, and the same presented to, and approved by, the 
Lodge, before his installation. 

Seal. — All official documents, to be legal, must have the seal of the 
Lodge printed or impressed legibly thereon. Those who use printed 
seals, should get the impressions made at an office where they use 
good ink and do good work. Get several hundred printed at a time, 
and, with a brush, put on the back of each a good coating of dissolved 
g-im-arabic, and they will always be ready for use. An improper 
use is sometimes made of the seal. The Secretary has no right to 
put the seal to letters which are not properly official letters: letters 
that the Lodge did not order him to write, and which it is not his 
duty, as that officer, to write. 

Reports. —At the end of each term make out a correct report of 



244 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



initiations, &c, for the use of the Per. Sec. and the Auditing Com- 
mittee, whose meeting you should attend with your books, ready to 
give any explanation or information they may require. 

The above, prepared for the meridian of Ohio, may 
require a little modification in a few States ; but will be 
found, generally, very correct and useful to the new 
officer. 

No person is privileged to interfere with the books 
and papers of either of the Secretaries, except the 
Noble Grand, the M. W. Grand Master, or the R. W. 
D. G. Master of the District, and the proper Committee 
appointed in pursuance of the Constitution and By- 
Laws of the Lodge. They are subject to examination 
by a Committee trying any member on charges, as any 
other witness, when their books and papers may be 
required to be produced;- but only under their charge 
and custody. 

In no case, should any vote or resolution actually 
passed by the Lodge be omitted or erased from the 
record, however erroneous in spirit, or unlawful in 
import. It may be rescinded or annulled at a future 
meeting, but the record of the act and of its correction 
should both appear on the minutes. 

As the Permanent Secretary is a paid officer, usually, 
(his arduous duties requiring pecuniary compensation,) 
the Past Secretary's degree is conferred only on the 
Recording Secretary, who is ex officio a member of the 
Visiting or Relief Committee. 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICEKS. 



245 




§ 5. The Vice Grand. 

Jewel. — The Yice Grand's jewel is 
an Hour-Glass of white metal. 

Regalia. — A white apron trimmed 
with blue, and ordinarily fringed with 
white, or silver bullion ; and a blue 
collar, trimmed with white (or silver) 
lace or fringe, with rosette to corre- 
spond. 

Station. — At the end of the room 
nearest the entrance, and in the chair 
trimmed with blue. 

Duties. — As the second officer of the Lodge, and 
the probable and almost certain successor of the Noble 
Grand, his requisites and qualifications should in no- 
wise be inferior to those demanded by the first chair. 
He should be as well acquainted with the merits and 
qualifications of the members, and with the business of 
the Lodge, and with the rules of order and debate. 

His express duty as well as privilege is to advise and 
(if need arise) to correct the Noble Grand privately, if 
that officer commits any error : publicly, if necessary to 
the welfare of the Lodge or the Order. When the 
N. G. is absent from the Lodge, he must take his chair 
and perform his duties. In this case, he will place a 
P. G. or P. V. G. in his own chair during initiations, 
that the duties thereof, in that ceremonial, may be 
properly performed. 

He has the appointment of his own Supporters, and 
should select competent persons. His Right Supporter, 
especially, should be an experienced brother, capable 
of advising him in cases of doubt and difficulty, and 

21* 



246 THE ODD-FELLOW S- MANUAL. 



filling his chair during a temporary absence. In some 
States, he appoints a portion of each Committee. He 
assists in examining each ballot, and in maintaining 
order generally. He superintends the entrance and 
exit of the brethren, and furnishes the P. W. for the 
evening to his R. Supporter, as soon as the Lodge is 
opened. He is entitled to the A. T. P. W., that he 
may properly examine visitors. He is also, during his 
term of office, a member of the Relief Committee. And 
he should use all diligence, while in the second chair, 
to commit the entire ritual of the first chair, and other- 
wise qualify himself for performing well its duties. 

§ 6. The Noble Grand. 

Jewel. — The Crossed Gavels, 
made of white metal, are the jewel 
of this office. 

Regalia. — A white apron trim- 
med with scarlet, and usually with 
white (or silver) fringe ; and a 
scarlet collar trimmed with white 
(or silver) lace or fringe, and ro- 
sette to correspond. 

Station. — At the upper end of 
the room, in the principal chair, 
which is designated by scarlet hangings or decorations. 
This is usually placed on a platform of three steps. 

Duties. — He is the Presiding Officer of the Lodge, 
the superintendent of its officers and its memberSj and 
the custodian of its Charter, Charge-books, and pro- 
perty generally. He has not only his own social 
duties to perform, but must see that all his subordinate 
officers properly and promptly perform theirs also ; and 




OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 247 



that no neglect or abuse invade the rights and interests 
of his fellow-members, or the welfare of the Lodge or 
the Order. And he should present a good example, by 
due obedience and subordination to the commands of 
his superiors, and proper respect for the Constitution 
and Laws, not only of his own Lodge, but also of the 
Grand Lodge. 

He will give the term P. W. to none but members in 
good standing, or to such brethren as he may be law- 
fully directed to give it. He will find the welfare of 
the Lodge, and of each member, best promoted by 
rigidly enforcing a prompt payment of their dues, and 
withholding from delinquents the proper privileges of 
the Order. 

The Charges and Lectures placed in his custody he 
will especially secure and guard against exposure or 
damage. Making copies of portions, though allowed, 
should be sparingly and cautiously permitted ; and the 
return or destruction of such written parts should be 
strictly insisted on. 

In regard to the duties proper to his office, he should 
carefully study the Constitution and By-Laws of his 
Grand Lodge, and of his subordinate Lodge, the In- 
stallation Service, Cushing's Manual, and the Digest 
of the Laws of the Order ;* and he should read atten- 
tively the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the United 

* Every Lodge should have two copies of the Manual and Digest, 
for the use of its V. G. and N. G., and an additional copy of each 
for the use of members generally during sessions. But the diligent 
and active Odd-Fellow, especially if he aspires to pass the cl/airs, 
should have a copy of each for his own use. The Digest and the 
Manual cost but about 38 cts. each ; and the latter is useful to any 
man in public life, or as a member of any debating or deliberative 
association. 



248 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



States, and of his Grand Lodge, that he may be well 
advised of late decisions. An ignorant man, one inat- 
tentive to the proceedings of the legislative bodies of 
the Order, is unfit for a Noble Grand. 

It is of the utmost importance that he really preside 
over his Lodge during exciting debates, which will some- 
times arise. He should then be especially calm, atten- 
tive, wary, prompt, firm, and decided. Better, even, 
decide a point of doubt wrong, but promptly, than de- 
cide it right after much irresolution and delay. But 
although he must even seem stern at periods of excite- 
ment, let there appear no tumult, no passion, no preju- 
dice or partiality in his mind or manner. His voice 
should be rather more subdued than usual, instead of 
louder ; and in giving his decision let it be done « in 
few words fitly chosen." State the positions of both 
parties fairly, add the reasons for deciding, and then 
pronounce it firmly, and invite an appeal if any are dis- 
satisfied. Happy is the Lodge that has Noble Grands 
able thus to act, and competent thus to preside over it. 

As guardian of the widows and orphans of the Lodge, 
and as the chief official visitor of its sick and distressed 
brethren, he has great means and powers for usefulness 
and good. By advising with the able and influential 
brethren he can procure needed employment for the 
poorer and more needy, and secure little attentions and 
kindness most grateful and salutary for the sick and the 
suffering. It is not enough that he coldly and formally 
visits the sick and dependent at stated intervals as a 
mere officer. He is the representative of the humanity 
and benevolence of the Lodge, an embodiment of the 
spirit of our Order, the father, as it were, of his 
brethren ; consequently there must be heart in his looks 
and words, and sympathy in his every action. He must 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 249 



not only visit in person, but see that every member of 
the Committee and the appointed watchers attend pro- 
perly, heartily, to their duties ; and if needed or de- 
sirable, let him spare no efforts to induce members ge- 
nerally to visit the languishing with offices of brotherly 
love and kindness. 

Much depends on his appointments. Good readers 
or speakers are needed for Conductor and Warden. 
The latter, also, should be a lover of order, neatness, 
and cleanliness ; who will not allow a litter in the 
Lodge-room, nor confusion and rags in the wardrobe. 
On Committees, of which he generally appoints the ma- 
jority, if not the whole, no idlers and incompetent men 
should be placed for chairmen ; and it were better still 
if they were left off entirely. And his Right Supporter 
should be experienced, observant, and trusty, that he 
may be a reliable adviser and aid. 

In transacting the business of the Lodge, let no time 
be wasted. See that every thing is ready before open- 
ing, and then quietly and orderly proceed from item to 
item, without delaying to invite discussions. If debates 
arise, seek to confine them to the point in dispute, that 
they may not be unduly prolonged ; and allow no dis- 
cussion except on a clearly stated motion, duly made 
and seconded. The most tedious and irritating debates 
frequently arise on some "suggestion," when, had all 
discussion been repressed until a motion had been made, 
none would have occurred. A Lodge is an assemblage 
for transacting important business, not for mere exer- 
cise in discussion. Do the business, then, in the shortest 
time, and best manner, allowing just as much explana- 
tion and discussion as are necessary to its being well 
understood and generally acquiesced in by those into- 



250 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



rested. If after this there is time to spare, let it be em- 
ployed in social and fraternal intercourse and innocent 
enjoyment. 




§ 7. The Sitting Past Grand, 

Jewel.— A five-pointed 
star, witn a heart and hand 
in the centre, made of 
white metal. The heart 
may be of cornelian, or 
other red substance. 

Regalia, A scarlet 

apron, trimmed with white 
(or silver) fringe or lace ; 
(or a white apron trimmed 
with scarlet ; though the 
first named is most usual ;) 
and a scarlet sash, (or col- 
lar,) trimmed with white or silver fringe or lace, with 
rosettes to correspond. The sash is generally worn at 
the East and in New York, and the collar in Pennsyl- 
vania, &c. 

Station. — About midway, at the side of the room, on 
the right of the N. Gr. The chair is decorated with 
scarlet trimmings or drapery. 

Duties. — The office is simply a sequel to that of N. Gr., 
who becomes the sitting P. Gr. of the Lodge, as a matter 
of course, on passing his chair. His duties are to de- 
liver the charge to a candidate at initiation, and, in 
many Lodges, to officiate as outside Conductor, and in 
examining and introducing visitors, in which latter case 
b^ must possess the A. T. P. W. 



OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS. 251 



§ 8. Rules of Order and Debate. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States, and nearly 
all the State Grand Lodges and Encampments, have 
enacted rules for the governance of their subordinates ; 
and the former has adopted " Cushing's Manual"* as 
the guide and authority of our Order. These works 
being accessible, the former in every Lodge and En- 
campment, and the latter cheap and easily procured, 
renders unnecessary any attempt to furnish rules in this 
place ; especially as any we could give would not, pro- 
bably, agree in all respects with those that are already 
prescribed to them by competent authority. 

§ 9. Use of the Gravel. 

This instrument has two uses in Odd Fellowship, one 
as the tongue or voice of the Lodge in the hands of its 
officers, the other as an emblem or jewel. It is not 
used as an operative instrument, as in Masonry ; nor do 
our books ever contemplate its use in Encampments, 
though some do use it, but, as we think, improperly. 

* " Manual of Parliamentary Practice. Rules of Proceedings and 
Debate in Deliberative Assemblies. By Luther S. Cushing. Boston. 
Wm. J. Reynolds & Co., 1851. pp. 189, 24mo. A cheap, well ar- 
ranged, and clearly expressed work, simpler than any other we have 
yet seen. A smaller work, but no simpler, though very good, is 
"Parliamentary Rules, compiled from Jefferson, Cushing, and other 
writers, and adapted to the use of the Independent Order of Odd- 
Fellows," &c, by P. G. J. P. Van Vleck, is for sale by Isaac Tap- 
ping, Utica, N. Y. The larger works of Jefferson and Sutherland 
are the sources whence these have drawn their information. Cush- 
ing's Manual, being adopted as the standard work in our Order, 
should by all means be generally studied by our brethren. 



252 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



The presiding officers of Patriarchal bodies, by consult- 
ing the charges and emblems of authority delivered at 
their installation, will perceive that, not the gavel, but 
another instrument, is given them for the purpose of sig- 
nifying their authority and wishes. 

But the use of the gavel seems to be not as well un- 
derstood in our Lodges as it should "be. A frequent or 
continual rapping, instead of promoting order and at- 
tention, increases noise and confusion. Custom re- 
quires it to be used in commanding attention or silence, 
or requiring members to be seated, &c. One rap, and 
that by the N. G. only, (or by his R. S., by his direc- 
tion,) is sufficient for that purpose ; and, after custom 
has established this use, will be more effectual than 
many. Rarely should it be repeated immediately ; and 
never should it be repeated by the V. G. for that pur- 
pose. The Y. G. may give it when the N. G. is so en- 
gaged that he cannot attend to it. 

The raps of the N. G. are never to be repeated by the 
V. G., except in cases where the written work calls on 
him specially to do so, or in the case above named. The 
directions of the books are special, and are to be strictly 
complied with ; but only when they direct its use by the 
V. G. By carefully observing this rule much unneces- 
sary noise will be avoided ; and, when once established, 
every member will be saved the perplexity now so fre- 
quently caused by a too free use of the instrument. 

The P. G. is not an executive officer, and is therefore 
no more entitled to use a gavel in his chair than the 
Secretary or Treasurer. He is to command order only 
by his example. 



DEGREE LODGES — COMMITTEES — OFFICERS. 



253 



CHAPTER XIV. 

OP DEGREE LODGES, OR COMMITTEES, ETC., AND THEIR 
OFFICERS. 




Various modes have been adopt- 
ed in the several States for con- 
ferring degrees. Some Lodges 
open, work, and close in the initia- 
tory degree, then dismissing those 
not qualified, open in the first de- 
gree, confer it, and close. Dis- 
missing those not further qualified, 
it opens in the second degree, and 
so on, regularly, through all the 
degrees required to be conferred. 
In this case the regular officers of the Subordinate 
Lodge, or persons selected by them, officiate. In some 
Lodges a Lecture Master, appointed by the D. D. Gr. 
Master, calls qualified brethren to his aid, and confers 
the degrees awarded by the Lodge, usually soon after 
the Lodge closes ; in others, a Committee of the officers 
and qualified members of the Lodge, usually P. Grands, 
confer the degrees at stated seasons ; but as in all 
these modes the same duties are performed that occur in 
a Degree Lodge, we have thought proper to present our 
general directions in treating of that organization and 

its officers. 

22 



254 THE ODD-FELLOWS MANUAL. 



§ 1. Constitution of Degree Lodges, 

The legality of Degree Lodges is recognized by the 
Grand Lodge of the United States, but their establish- 
ment is left to the option of the State Grand Lodges, 
who, again, leave the matter to the discretion of their 
subordinates and fifth degree members. The price for 
degrees is left to the control of State Grand Lodges. 

When the requisite number of scarlet degree mem- 
bers of any locality wish to establish a Degree Lodge, 
they will proceed to organize informally, and petition 
their Grand Lodge for a charter, as directed in the case 
of a Subordinate Lodge. This charter empowers them 
to confer the five degrees on those who present the pro- 
per certificates, to elect as members all fifth degree 
members in good standing, who apply for admission, to 
receive the prescribed fees for conferring degrees, and 
for membership ; but to impose no dues, pay no benefits, 
hold no property beyond what is necessary for perform- 
ing their work, and enjoy no representation in the 
Grand Lodge. It opens in the fifth degree, and can 
transact no business (save conferring degrees) in any 
other. 

§ 2. Conferring Degrees. 

Too little care and attention, generally, has been 
bestowed on this important portion of instruction. They 
are generally conferred at the close of the ordinary 
Lodge-meeting, when members are tired, and desire to 
go home to rest, and few therefore remain to give the 
work due effect. In Degree Lodges, also, the attend- 
ance is generally thin, and the work is too much treated 



DEGREE LODGES — COMMITTEES — OFFICERS. 255 



with indifference, and hurried through as a thing more 
desirable to be rid of than to perform. The offices 
not being legal qualifications for other stations beyond, 
having no official degrees when passed, and no special 
honors or emoluments attached, are frequently poorly 
filled and irregularly served. Frequent absences re- 
quire frequent changes in temporary supplies, many of 
whom are but imperfectly acquainted with the written 
and unwritten work, and therefore differ considerably 
from each other in their instructions to the candidates. 
All these evils combined, in some sections, tend greatly 
to mar the beauty and harmony of the instructions of 
our subordinate degrees. 

The evil suggests its own remedy: let it be applied 
wherever possible. If conferred by the Subordinate 
Lodge, let it set aside one evening every month to con- 
fer degrees, omitting initiations and all other than 
absolutely necessary business. Let them be conferred 
deliberately ; by none other than good readers ; and 
have the candidates carefully and correctly instructed 
by a competent Teacher. If by a Committee, let them 
secure a good attendance of well qualified brethren. If 
by a Degree Lodge, let it secure competent and zealous 
officers, who will perform their duties correctly. And 
if the number of candidates is too great, as frequently 
happens in large cities, let them meet oftener, that the 
work may be well and understandingly performed. 

§ 3. Officers and their Duties. 

The officers of a Degree Lodge, as prescribed by the 
Lectures, are a Noble Grand, a Deputy Noble Grand, 
an Assistant Noble Grand, a Vice Grand, a Past Grand, 
a Conductor, and an Inside and an Outside Guardian, to 



256 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL 



which are added, for the transaction of its business, a 
Secretary or Scribe, and a Treasurer. In Pennsylvania, 
where these Lodges originated, the ancient names are 
retained of High Priest, Deputy, and Assistant High 
Priest, Warden, &e. 

The jewels, regalia, and robes of these offices are not- 
prescribed by law, and consequently vary more or less 
in nearly every Degree Lodge. In Pennsylvania, gene- 
rally, they approximate closely toward those of Encamp- 
ment offices ; in other States, those of the Subordinate 
Lodge, except that the colors are for the fifth degree. 

The duties of the several officers correspond generally 
to those of similar officers in the Subordinate Lodge. 
Where there is any deviation, it is clearly noted in the 
book of Lectures. The Assistant and Deputy of the 
principal officer are seated, respectively, at his left and 
his right hand. The stations of the others correspond 
precisely to the stations of the corresponding offices of 
the Lodge. 

The Principal and his Assistants should be good, 
ready readers, as should the Vice Grand (or Warden) 
and the Past Grand. If the Conductor is to instruct 
the candidates, as is sometimes done, he should be 
thoroughly instructed himself, and regular in attend- 
ance. But the chief officer should perform that duty 
in person, aided (if need be) by his Assistant. 

The same remarks, as to reading and instruction, 
apply to a Lecture Master. And great care should be 
used to impress the candidate with the importance of 
remembering the mode of proving strangers, and our 
rule in regard to challengers. 

The Scribe should be required to notify each Lodge 
what degrees are conferred on its members, and when 
they were conferred, that the Secretary may enter the 



OF PAST OFFICIAL DEGREES. 257 



information on his books for the use of the Subordinate 
Lodge. 



CHAPTER XV. 

OF PAST OFFICIAL DEGREES. 



^HESE belong properly to the Grand Lodge, but we 
introduce them here for convenience. They can be con- 
ferred only by some one specially authorized to confer 
them by the Grand Lodge itself; usually some Grand 
Officer, and the D. D. Grand Masters ; sometimes, but 
rarely, by a Degree Lodge. 

They are conferred only for services rendered, save, 
in the case of a new Lodge, the first N. G. may receive 
•the Past Y. G.'s and the P. Secretary's degree ; and the 
first V. G. the Past Secretary's. In some States they 
are made requisite to holding office in the Grand 
Lodge. 

The Past Official Degrees for the Encampment were 
abolished years ago ; and as there are no prescribed 
lectures to accompany these, they might as well have 
been treated in the same manner. Seldom do any 
remarks accompany the imparting of the unwritten 
language. We have therefore but few comments to 
offer . 

§ 1. Past Secretary's Degree, 

If with proper integrity you have recorded the pro- 
ceedings of your Lodge, you are entitled to receive the 
honors of this degree, and the S. and P. W. by which to 

22* 



258 



THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



- 







be known of all others of similar merit. You have 
magnified and made honorable a toilsome office, already 
rendered illustrious by the many great and noble men 
who have performed its duties. Ezra, and Daniel, and 
the prophets generally are classed as Scribes. But the 
Great Scribe, who writeth his laws on the universe and 
in the hearts of men, as his Finger inscribed The Law 
on the tables of stone, has Himself crowned the office 
with the excellency of glory. How terrible that writing 
on the palace-wall, which only His prophet could inter- 
pret to the dismayed Belshazzar : "Mene, Mene, 
Tekel, Upharsin!" (Daniel v. 25.) May a similar 
sentence never be written against any Odd-Fellow ! 

There is no prescribed Emblem, Jewel, Regalia, or 
Color for this degree. Its recipient retains those of the 
office passed. 



OF PAST OFFICIAL DEGREES. 



259 




§ 2. Past Vice Grand" s Degree. 

If you have faithfully aided the Noble Grand in re- 
straining and suppressing all disorder, and enforcing the 
laws of our institution ; and if you have carefully ad- 
ministered the obligation and impressively delivered the 
charge in every case, you are worth;fof this honorary 
degree. For by your fidelity has your (color) been 
honored and ita illustrious exemplar been imitated. 
And in truth there is no inapt resemblance between 
your humble duties and those of Moses at Sinai. Both 
delivered the law, obligation, and charge of their office 
faithfully, and bound those under their instruction to 
order and obedience. 

The Emblem, Jewel, Regalia, and Color of this De- 
gree are simply those of the office passed. 



260 



THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



§ 3. Past Noble Grand's Degree. 

Having, with proper 
dignity and paternal re- 
gard, extended the arm 
of authority over your 
Lodge, and maintained 
its order and promoted 
its welfare, you are trans- 
ferred to a chair of equal 
honor but greater repose, 
and are prepared to enter 
a Lodge of higher rank 
and more extended duties. 
In your comparative ease here, and more extended field 
of active duty there, cease not to remember gratefully the 
kind partiality and unbought favors of your brethren, 
whose suffrages carried you through the chairs of the 
Lodge, and have thus elevated you to the dignity of 
membership in the Grand Lodge of your State. 




CHAPTER XVI. 

OF SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 

In this department of our labors, references to our 
kymer remarks will be necessary in all matters where 
Lodges and Encampments are similar. 



OF SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 261 



§ 1. How Commenced and Constituted. 

To become a member of an Encampment, an Odd- 
Fellow must have received the Fifth Degree. And to 
retain membership in it, he must continue in good stand- 
ing in a Subordinate Lodge. In fact, good standing in 
the Subordinate Lodge* is absolutely essential to his 
good standing everywhere else in the Order ; in En- 
campment, Degree Lodge, State Grand Lodge or En- 
campment, or in the Grand Lodge of the United States. 
Remember this. 

An Encampment is chartered by the Grand Lodge of 
the United States, or a Grand Encampment (recognized 
by the same) of the State, District, or Territory wherein 
it is located. It must be constituted of at least seven 
Odd-Fellows who have received the "Sublime Degrees," 
as its three degrees are collectively termed. And it 
should be commenced and organized preparatory to in- 
stitution, as recommended for Subordinate Lodges, 
Chap. IX. §§ 1-4, with these differences. There must be 
seven petitioners, their cards deposited with a D. D. G. 
Patriarch, if not forwarded ; (or a D. D. G. Sire, if to be 
chartered by the Grand Lodge of the United States ;) 
and the Petition is forwarded to a Grand Encampment, 
(if not to the Grand Lodge of the United States.) The 
form of petition is in the Appendix. It will be insti- 
tuted by a G.P., or a D. D. G. P., or a P. C.P. specially 
authorized ; by a D. D. G. Sire, if chartered by the 
Grand Lodge of the United States. 

* Which signifies contributing membership therein, and freedom 
from any disability by reason of non-payment of dues, or from 
charges under the penal provisions of the Order. 



262 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



If seven brethren of the Fifth Degree, in good stand- 
ing, in a State or Territory where there is no Grand 
Encampment, desire to petition the Grand Lodge of the 
United States for an Encampment Charter, on applica- 
tion to the Grand Sire, he may instruct a Deputy to 
confer on them the three Encampment Degrees, and 
thus qualify them to petition. The fees for those de- 
grees they will be required to pay into the treasury of 
the new Encampment as soon as the same shall have 
been instituted. The necessary expenses of the Deputy 
must also be paid by the applicants. 

§ 2. Opening — Working — Closing. 

For general information, see Chap. IX. §§ 6-8. The 
Encampment working differs from that of the Lodge 
chiefly in this. The Lodge is of the civic type : the En- 
campment is of the military; but Patriarchal, and 
therefore pastoral, also. The Encampment opens, and 
closes finally, in its highest degree, as it transacts all 
its business in tlftt degree only. It opens and closes in 
each degree (with peculiar ceremonies) which it confers 
during each session. But while the military forms are 
observed in its opening and closing, the business is 
transacted as in the Subordinate Lodge, the officers re- 
cite their duties at opening, and it is, very generally in 
all the States, opened and closed with prayer by the 
proper officer. 

With the additional instructions afforded by the 
sublime degrees, the Patriarch will find our general 
remarks on the duties of Odd-Fellows, in Chap. IX. §§ 9, 
and in Chap. X. applicable to the duties devolving on 
him as an Encampment member. But we must first con- 
duct him into that honorable station. 



SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 263 



§ 3. Application and Admission. 

Having received the degrees of the Subordinate 
Lodge, you will naturally desire to advance further. 
The Sublime Degrees, with their rich stores of instruc- 
tion, lie before you, only waiting your application to be 
opened to your eager mind.* Procure, then, a copy of 
the Constitution and By-Laws of the nearest Encamp- 
ment, and study them by the aid of some friendly 
Patriarch of your acquaintance. Then procure from 
the N. G. and Secretary of your Lodge, a certificate of 
your standing and grade therein. Sign an application, 
(forms are in the Appendix,) and deliver these docu- 
ments, with the proposition fee, to your friend, who 
will do the rest. If elected, go forward with a stout 
heart, fearing nothing ; for others have passed the way 
before you, and invite you onward. Novelty, even 
startling novelty, you will find, as once before ; but 
let it not deter you from close attention to the more 
valuable lessons concealed beneath it in every degree 
through which you pass. 



* Some Encampments do, others do not, pay sick and funeral bene- 
fits. Those who do, generally pay the same amount as the Subordi- 
nate Lodges in their vicinity : that is, usually, from three to five 
dollars per week in sickness, fifteen to twenty dollars on the death 
of a wife, and thirty to forty dollars on the death of a member. 
These benefits, of course, enhance the price of admission. The three 
degrees of an Encampment usually cost from nine to twenty dollars, 
which includes membership, of course. The prices, as well as the 
benefits, vary considerably, not only in different States, but even in 
neighboring Encampments. 



264 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



§ 4. Committees and Appointed Officers. 

For the duties of Committees in the Patriarchal 
branch, we refer to Chap. XI. ; they are as applicable 
as in the Subordinate Lodge. And as the Patriarch is 
already familiar with the work of a Lodge, as described 
in Chap. XII. and XIII. , but few words will be neces- 
sary to define the peculiar duties of officers of an 
Encampment. 

The Appointed Officers of an Encampment are — the 
1st and 2d Guards of the Tent, appointed by the High 
Priest, and the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th Watches, the Sen- 
tinel,* and the Guide, who are appointed by the Chief 
Patriarch. 

1. Guards of the Tent. — They act as the Sup- 
porters of the High Priest, and as his Messengers. 
They should always be on duty as sentinels, at each 
side of the Tent.^ 

2. The Watches. — When on duty, each should have 
a specified station, which he should not leave on any 
account. They should know their parts well, and re- 
hearse them effectively. 



* In Pennsylvania, and probably elsewhere, to save the Junior 
Warden the necessity of frequent visits to the anteroom, to examine 
and admit members and visitors, an Outside Sentinel is appointed 
also. Such an office, though evidently not contemplated by the 
work, nor authorized by the Grand Lodge of the United States, is, 
like that of Junior Warden in the Lodge, a very useful and conve~ 
nient one. 



OF SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 



265 



3. The Sentinel. — His Jewel 
is Crossed Swords, in a Triangle of 
yellow metal. 

His duties correspond to those 
of the Inside Guardian of a Lodge., 
Where there is an Outside Sen- 
tinel, his duties correspond to those 
of the Outside Guardian. 

4. The Guide. — His duties are 
similar to those of Conductor in the Lodge. 




§ 5. The Elective Officers. 

The Elective Officers . of an Encampment, are — a 
Junior Warden, a Treasurer, a Scribe, a Senior Warden, 
a High Priest, and a Chief Patriarch. Usually service 
for one term, or twenty-six nights, in an appointed 
office, renders eligible to an elective office ; and one 
term in any of the inferior elective offices renders the 
incumbent eligible to the chair of the High Priest or 
Senior Warden ; and after one term in that office, he is 
eligible for election as Chief Patriarch ; but this ar- 
rangement depends on the regulations of each Grand 
Encampment. 

1. The Junior Warden. — The 
Jewel of this office is a Crook, 
within a Triangle of yellow metal. 
His duties are, to examine the 
Patriarchs at opening ; to see that 
the officers are at their stations ; 
to open and close the Encampment 
in each degree ; to assist the Chief 
Patriarch and High Priest as re 
quired ; to preside in the absence of the superior officers, 

23 




2GG 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



(if the local laws permit;) to examine every brother 
that applies for admission, and see that they are in 
proper regalia, and address the chairs properly. 




2. The Treasurer. — His Jewel 
is Crossed Keys, within a Triangle 
of yellow metal. 

His duties correspond to those 
of the same officer in a Subordi- 
nate Lodge. 




3. The Scribe. — The Jewel is 
Crossed Pens in a Triangle of yel- 
low metal. 

His duties are the same as those 
of an only Secretary in a Subordi- 
nate Lodge. 




4. The Senior Warden. — The 
Jewel is Crossed Crooks within a 
Triangle of yellow metal. 

His duties are analogous to those 
of a Vice Grand, whose chair he 
occupies when the Encampment 
meets in a Lodge-room. He pre- 
sides in the absence of the C. P., 
and is entitled to the T. P. W. 



OF SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 



267 




5. The High Priest. —The 
Jeivel is a Breastplate within a 
Triangle : the former may be co- 
lored appropriately, the latter of 
yellow metal. 

His station is within the Tent, 

behind the Altar, and the Tent is 

usually placed at the side of the 

room, on the right of the C. P. 

His duties are to offer up the prescribed prayers at 

opening, closing, and in conferring the degrees ; to 

instruct candidates and members in the Lectures, &c. ; 

and to administer the other duties of his office. 

6. The Chief Patriarch. — 
The Jewel represents an Altar with 
Crossed Crooks, within a Triangle 
of yellow metal. 

His duties are similar to those 
of the Noble Grand of a Lodge, 
whose chair he occupies when the 
Encampment is held in a Lodge- 
room ; and, like him, he is entitled 
to the T. P. W., and superintends the examination of 
visitors by card. He should possess the same high 
moral and social qualifications ; the same mental activity 
and acquirements ; the same business tact and energy ; 
the same intimate acquaintance with the characters and 
abilities of the brethren under his charge ; the same 
ready knowledge of the laws and usages of the Order, 
and the rules of debate ; the same dignity of carriage, 
evenness of temper, firm decision, and courtesy of 
manners ; and the same kindness of heart, that are 
pre-eminently required in the Presiding Officer of a 
Lodge. 




268 THE ODD-FELLOW'S' MANUAL. 



The Regalia prescribed by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, for officers of a Subordinate Encamp- 
ment, is "a purple collar and black apron, trimmed 
with gold-colored fringe or lace, or both." Yet in some 
Encampments, in violation of this express law, some of 
the officers have sashes added to, or instead of, this 
prescribed regalia. Such things ought not to be. All 
past officers are entitled to wear the regalia and jewel 
of the office passed. 

The regalia usually worn by a member of the Pa- 
triarchal Degree is black gloves and a black apron 
only : of the Golden Rule Degree, the same, with gold- 
colored lace or fringe on the apron ; and of the Royal 
Purple Degree, the same, with a purple collar, also 
trimmed with gold-colored lace or fringe, or both. 

We would repeat here what we have said on the use 
of the Gavel, Chap. XIII. § 8. In the Encampment, 
the officers use their emblems of authority in the same 
manner as the gavel is used in the Lodge : always con- 
forming, of course, to the directions of the written work. 
The C. P. only commands silence and order, and the 
rising and seating of the Encampment, in all those 
cases where the book does not direct otherwise. And 
the Senior Warden assumes to do so only when the 
C. P. is so engaged that he overlooks or cannot attend 
to it. A careful examination of the installation cere- 
mony and the charges, in connection with the above 
remarks, will, it is believed, tend to lessen the per- 
plexity often occasioned by the abuse of the emblem of 
authority, and abate not a little of the unnecessary 
noise occasioned by its too frequent use by the second 
officer. 



SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 269 



§ 6. Conferring the Degrees. 

But one degree should be conferred on an applicant 
at any session ; and this should be well and properly 
conferred. Not only impart and use correctly, and 
with precision, the P. W., S. and G., for they are 
the keys which admit a man to the privileges and be- 
nefits of our meetings, but strive also to excel in the 
appropriate manner of delivering our lectures and 
charges, and conferring the Patriarchal degrees. We 
have not yet given sufficient attention to this subject. 
They are of a higher order and different character, and 
require more care than those that have preceded them. 
And yet we have given them less attention and labor. 
Encampments generally have looked at each other, not 
to copy improvements but to justify defects and excuse 
irregularities. If this practice is continued until it be- 
comes general, our course must be downward, and end 
in riot and disorder. 

We have said elsewhere that the Odd-Fellow should 
be always a gentleman, in the proper sense of that 
word. The Patriarch should be especially such, " seri- 
ous and thoughtful." He should ever conduct as one 
in the Encampment, and never subject any one entering 
it to any treatment that is boorish. Every part of our 
Patriarchal work is designed to set forth and illustrate 
serious and important lessons, and to make a salutary 
impression on the minds of our members. But if per- 
formed in a hurried or confused manner, no proper or 
definite impression can be made. If performed in a 
burlesque or trifling mode, it will excite only ridicule or 
disgust. By converting serious things into jest, and 
mingling buffoonery with prayers, we lower our own 

23* 



270 THE ODD-FELLOW's MANUAL. 



self-respect and blunt our moral feelings, while we out- 
rage decency and wound the sensibilities of others. If 
we perform the work in a rude, coarse manner, we 
rouse feelings in the candidate directly opposed to those 
it was designed to inspire, destroy the entire effect of 
our beautiful ritual, and wound the feelings of the can- 
didate, if not injure his person, and drive him from us 
disgusted. Depend upon it, that if a public excitement 
is ever got up against our Order, the improper modes 
of performing our work pursued by some Encampments 
will be the fuel to feed its destroying flames. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

OF THE PATRIARCHAL DEGREE. 

§ 1. Introduction to the Degree. 

1. Though teaching peaceful lessons, the Encampment 
assumes military forms. The candidate is therefore 
met with a more rigid scrutiny and in a sterner man- 
ner than on his entrance into the Subordinate Lodge. 
He need not wonder, then, at the strict watch which 
will be kept over him, nor the restraints that will be im- 
posed on him until he has passed the ordeal, and proved 
feimself to be no enemy in disguise, but a true Odd-E el- 
low. Let him rely on the kindness of his guardian to 
sustain and defend him until justice awards him release, 
; and the benevolence of the Patriarchs greets him with 
hospitality und fraternal welcomes. 



OF THE PATRIARCHAL DEGREE. 



271 




2. The pilgrimage of human life has many such trials. 
The impatient and passionate, acting on impulse, but 
aggravate their evils ; but he who wearies not in duty, 
acting on principle, at last passes beyond the darkness 
and difficulty, and, trusting in God, finds those who re- 
fresh his spirit with counsel and repose. 

3. A true Patriarch never closes his tent against a 
stranger in distress. Hospitality is not only a sacred 
but a pleasing duty, acknowledged such in all ages and 
among all nations. As a Patriarch who has needed it, 
be therefore ready to grant it. Our God is the universal 
Father. He teaches us to be kind even unto the evil 
and the unthankful, by his sunshine and his rain, which 



272 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



he dispenses to all alike. But while it is our duty to 
minister to the wants of the stranger, without inquiring 
into his country, or his creed, or even the causes of his 
misfortunes, it is also a duty we owe to self and family 
to admit no treacherous or vicious person into our con- 
fidence, or give him power to harm ourselves or others. 
We have a right, therefore, after relieving immediate 
necessities, to examine carefully the pretensions and 
characters of those with whom we hold intercourse. 
On these principles every Lodge and Encampment 
claims to examine rigidly all who ask admission to their 
mysteries, or claim to enter their portals as Odd-Fel- 
lows. 

4. And here you will find your previous instructions 
in Odd-Fellowship of essential service to you. May 
you be able to show that you have not been an inatten- 
tive hearer, nor a heedless performer of their inculca- 
tions, that you may enter, without difficulty or delay, on 
the privileges and duties now opening before you in the 
Patriarchal degree. 

5. Your first lesson of duty, as a Patriarch, will be 
found in the following admirable summary : — 

Exodus xx. 1-17. 

And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, 
which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house 
of bondage. 

I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 

II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any like- 
ness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth be- 
neath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow 
down thyself to them, nor serve them : for I, the Lord thy God, am 
a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children 
unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me ; and 
showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep vda 
commandments 



OF THE PATRIARCHAL DEGREE. 273 



III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain ; 
for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 

IV. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt 
thou labour, and do all thy work ; but the seventh day is the sab- 
bath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work ; thou, 
nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-ser- 
vant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates ; for in 
six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in 
them is, and rested the seventh day ; wherefore the Lord blessed the 
sabbath day, and hallowed it. 

V. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long 
upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 

VI. Thou shalt not kill. 

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

VIII. Thou shalt not steal. 

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 

X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not co- 
vet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, 
nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. 

6. As if prostrate at the foot of the Sacred Mount, 
receive this Law to govern your future actions. For 
Virtue founded on Truth is the basis of our affiliation. 
It should be the aim of your life, for by it only can the 
great and good in your nature be developed. All the 
feelings, passions, and impulses lead only to evil, without 
it. But with it, all tend to good, to happiness, which 
vice promises but never bestows. Virtue increases and 
exalts even the common joys of sense. Its influence 
extends to all the avocations of life, strengthens the 
affections and sympathies, gives wisdom to youth, ac- 
tivity to manhood, and glory to age : it is a safeguard 
in prosperity, a solace in adversity, a comforter in 
affliction : it opens to us every true enjoyment of life, 
and passes with us into life eternal. 

7. The regalia of this degree is, a black apron, and 



274 



THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



gloves of the same color ; for black is the color of this 
degree. Its signification is explained in the lecture. 

You will remember, also, the signs and tokens o^ 
this degree ; for by them, only, can you establish your 
claim to admission to the Encampment. 

The explanation of the symbols of the Order, now 
furnished you, are worthy your attention and remem- 
brance : especially as presented in three great divisions 
— teaching our duty to God, to our fellow-men, and to 
ourselves. 



§ 2. Emblems of the Patriarchal Degree. 




*%z«^, 



1. " The Three Pillars represent Faith, Hope, and 
Charity," the ornaments and supports of our Temple 
of Universal Brotherhood ; and remind us of the beauty, 
wisdom, and strength of those virtues, to attract, guide, 
and uphold us in their performance. 

Thus the material things used as emblems by our 
Order, speak to the eye of the initiated ; and at every 
advancement in their knowledge and their use, they 
appeal to his nobler powers, dispel the lethargy of his 



OF THE PATRIARCHAL DEGREE. 275 



soul, and engage him in solemn meditation and active 
beneficence. 

2. " The Tents discourse to ns of the ancient pa- 
triarchs who abode in tents ; and at the same time 
admonish us that in this world we have no continuing 
city : that this earth is not our home."* Represented 
always open, they remind us of the great duty of hos- 
pitality to the stranger and the wayfaring man. 

3. " The Crook reminds us that the Patriarchal 
Shepherds were Odd-Fellows : that God is our Shepherd 

and that as the good shepherd protects, defends, 

and supplies the wants of his flock, so will the Great 
Shepherd of souls defend his sheep from harm, and lead 
them into the green pasture of his love, and beside the 
still waters of his grace."f 

§ 3. Concluding Remarks on this Degree. 

The simplicity of the Patriarchal life, and the purity 
of faith by which the Patriarchs were guided, form a 
pleasing picture in contemplating antiquity. The world 
has advanced in civilization and knowledge, but still 
the heart looks back with regret at its departure from 
those simpler, though ruder habits of early virtue and 
goodness. In our Tents we may revive much of what 
thus charms us. And in our lives we may copy that 
confiding faith and guileless simplicity. By practising 
universal fraternity, we may extend further and further 
around us, the golden links which chain heart to heart 
in a stronger and broader sympathy, till at last they 
bind the earth in concord of virtue and peace. 

To effect this, let each heart combine its wishes and 

* "Odd-Fellow," (Richmond, Va.) 1842. f Ibid 



27(3 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



energies with every other heart having the same object, 
irrespective of sect or nation, that all may work together 
for the general good. Cherish, then, the teachings of 
our Order, till your soul, imbued with their spirit, gives 
forth their beauty and their power. Consider the 
stranger still as a man : give him needed sustenance 
and repose, whatever his country or his creed, his vices 
or misfortunes, that you may influence him for good. 
But your brother Patriarchs, let them especially share 
your sympathy and experience your aid. Unite with 
them in all good works. Let not contention or envy 
separate you, for ye are brethren. If one injure you, 
consider well. It may have been undesignedly, or 
under some misconception. Be candid with him, and 
frank. State the wrong fairly and kindly. If he 
repent, wipe off even the remembrance of the wrong, 
that it stand not against him. Remember that you, 
too, are fallible ; that you, too, may need kindly cor- 
rection ; that you, too ; may stand in need of fraternal 
forgiveness. 

Such are the principles a Patriarch must practice. 
Not alone entering our Tents, not alone learning our 
mysteries, not alone wearing our badge, not alone bear- 
ing the offices and honors of our Order, can make a 
man an Odd-Fellow; but living an Odd-Felloivs life. 
« If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.' , 



OF THE GOLDEN RULE DEGREE. 279 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

OF THE GOLDEN RULE DEGREE. 

§ 1. Introduction to the Degree. 

1. The candidate for this degree should be firm and 
decided in his answers to all questions asked him, and 
patient in all required of him, that he may the better 
understand its instructions as they are successively 
unfolded : especially its great lesson of charity, evinced 
in what is usually termed toleration. 

2. Behold the necessity of this lesson in our world. 
Religion is often measured by state lines and regulated 
by statute law. The Christianity which is lawful on 
one side of a mountain, or stream, or even an imaginary 
line, is punished with confiscation, imprisonment, or 
death, on the other side. Does God require this at the 
hands of one portion of His children toward the other 
portion, their brethren ? Has He instituted such laws : 
does He inflict such penalties for differences of opinion ? 
Then, if we take into consideration all the religions in 
the world, how much greater the intolerance ! Not 
only between the North and the South of Europe, but 
the European, living amid the refinements of art and 
science, is but little in advance of the Asiatic, who, 
though living in the land of Adam, of Noah, of Abra- 
ham, and other Bible worthies, rejects that Book and 
clings to the Shaster or the Koran, and calls all infidels 
who acknowledge not the authority of Confucius, or 
Mahomet, or Brahma. The African who bows befpre 



280 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



his many gods, also deems all the world sinners against 
Heaven, because they kneel not at his altars. Thus 
the Tables of the Law, the Cross, and the Crescent are 
clashed in angry warfare, which convinces none and 
debases all, and must therefore be abhorred of the God 
of the whole earth, who is the Father of all spirits. 
For when did not persecution and intolerance rather 
confirm than convince those against whom it was waged? 
A standing proof, it would seem, that Providence would 
rather prosper wrong ideas than bloody practices. Error 
of the head, even though it mislead the heart, appears 
more favored than that bloody zeal which would immo- 
late on its altar a brother who is deemed in error. 

3. Is it not desirable that among all these nations, so 
diverse in faith, in manners, and in customs, but so 
similar in cruel zeal and bloody intolerance, a better 
principle should obtain : one that would not only gently 
remove the fetters of the body, but those of the soul 
also, that the mind might freely examine truth : one 
which would trample under foot those prejudices which 
deprive the freeborn soul of its priceless birthright to 
seek God freely and worship him voluntarily, as the 
best information may lead judgment and conscience to 
dictate ? 

Brethren, let this be our work. Boldly, freely, 
unawed by danger, let us assert our right to seek and 
obey divine truth : assert it not only as our right, but 
as the right of others, of all. The authority of con- 
science in religion must be paramount. Those high 
moral affections and duties which have the Creator as 
their object, no human legislation can or should restrain 
or suppress. In our Tents no sectarian or national 
distinctions are recognized. All are entitled to the 
rights which each claims for himself. All are equal, 



OF THE GOLDEN EULE DEGREE. 281 



all are brethren : owning one origin, one nature, one 
destiny. Living the same life, one interest thrills alike 
in every heart. If our brother suffer, we feel his an- 
guish ; if he prosper, we share his joy. The pains and 
woes of each swell the common tide of humanity's 
evils, in which we have an equal share and a common 
lot. All our rights are based on the same great founda- 
tion. He, therefore, who assails a brother's rights, 
attacks our own : an invasion of his welfare is an ag- 
gression on ours ; for our rights are the same, and our 
happiness is increased by the enjoyments of those who 
surround us. It is our recognition of this great prin- 
ciple that leads us to claim and to grant sympathy in 
suffering, unity in working, freedom in thought and 
worship, and to resist the force that would invade the 
natural rights of the human soul. 

4. Corroborative of the instructions of this degree 
are the sentiments of the wisest and best of mankind. 
The following Parable, generally ascribed to Dr. Frank- 
lin, and familiar to the schoolboy of the passing gene- 
ration, sets forth very beautifully the inconsistency and 
wickedness of a persecuting spirit. 

PARABLE AGAINST PERSECUTION. 

Aram was sitting at the door of his tent, under the shade of his 
fig-tree, when it came to pass that a man, stricken with years, bear- 
ing a staff in his hand, journeyed that way. And it was noonday. 
And Aram said unto the stranger, "Pass not by, I pray thee, but 
come in, and wash thy feet, and tarry here until the evening ; for 
thou art stricken with years, and the heat overcometh thee." 

And the stranger left his staff at the door, and entered into the 
tent of Aram. And he rested himself. And Aram set before him 
bread and cakes of fine meal, baked upon the hearth. And Aram 
blessed the bread, calling upon the name of the Lord. But the 
stranger did eat, and refused to pray unto the Most High, saying, 

24* 



282 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL 



" Thy Lord is not the God of my fathers, why, therefore, should I 
present my vows unto him?" And Aram's wrath was kindled, and 
he called his servants, and they beat the stranger, and drove him 
into the wilderness. 

Now in the evening Aram lifted up his voice unto the Lord, and 
prayed unto him. And the Lord said, " Aram, where is the stranger 
that sojourned this day with thee ?" And Aram answered and said, 
" Behold, Lord, he ate of thy bread, and would not offer unto thee 
his prayers and thanksgivings. Therefore did I chastise him and 
drive him from before me into the wilderness." 

And the Lord said unto Aram, "Who hath made thee a judge be- 
tween me and him ? Have not I borne with thine iniquities, and 
winked at thy backsliding ; and shalt thou be severe with thy bro- 
ther, to mark his errors and to punish his perverseness ? Arise, and 
follow the stranger, and carry with thee oil and wine, and anoint his 
bruises, and speak kindly unto him. For I, the Lord thy God, am a 
jealous God, and judgment belongeth unto me. Vain is thine obla- 
tion of thanksgiving without a lowly heart. As a bulrush thou 
mayest bow down thy head, and lift up thy voice like a trumpet ; 
but thou obeyest not the ordinance of thy God if thy worship be for 
strife and debate. Behold the sacrifice that I have chosen. Is it 
not to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and to 
break every yoke ? to deal thy bread to the hungry, and to bring the 
poor that are cast out to thy house?" 

And Aram trembled before the presence of God. And he arose, 
and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the wilderness to 
do as the Lord had commanded him.* 

* It is said that Dr. Franklin was at a large party among several 
dignitaries of the Church of England, when the subject of compel- 
ling conformity to an established church, by law, was introduced. 
After several of the clergy had defended the obnoxious principle, the 
doctor was called on for his opinion. He recited to them, as Scrip- 
ture, the above parable; and they, deceived by its style, and the 
doctor's gravity, suspected not the deception, but acknowledged its 
force, and yielded the argument. 

Whether the occasion and result were exactly as above stated, or 
not, it is true that the parable was published as Dr. Franklin's, and 
that it was alleged that he stole it from Jeremy Taylor, who closes 



OF THE GOLDEN RULE DEGREE. 283 



5. A Lodge or Encampment sometimes presents, in 
its assemblage of persons of various nations and creeds, 
a beautiful illustration of the excellency of toleration, 
and of the possibility of a " unity of the spirit in the 



his -work on the " Liberty of Prophesying," with the following ver 
sion of the same story. 

"lend," says he, " with a story which I find in the Jews' books: — 
When Abraham sat at his tent- door, according to his custom, to 
entertain strangers, he espied an old man who was a hundred years 
of age. He received him kindly, washed his feet, provided supper, 
and caused him to sit down : but observing that the old man ate and 
prayed not, nor begged for a blessing on his meat, asked him why he 
did not worship the God of heaven ? The old man told him that he 
worshipped the fire only, and acknowledged no other God ; at which 
Abraham grew so zealously angry, that he thrust the old man out 
of his tent, and exposed him to all the evils of the night, and an un 
guarded condition. 

" When the old man was gone, God called to Abraham, and asked 
him where the stranger was ? He replied, ' I thrust him away, be- 
cause he did not worship thee.' God answered, ' I have suffered 
him these hundred years, although he dishonored me, and couldst 
not thou endure him one night, when he gave thee no trouble V Upon 
this, saith the story, Abraham fetched him back again, and gave 
him hospitable entertainment and wise instruction. ' Go thou and 
do likewise,' and thy charity will be rewarded by the God of Abra- 
ham." 

Now here, it must be confessed, is the story, leaving to Dr. Frank- 
lin only its dress and its interesting auxiliaries. That the doctor 
did not himself claim to be the author of the story is rendered highly 
probable from the fact that it is not found in the authentic edition 
of his works, published by Wm. Duane, Philadelphia. But the ori- 
ginal, from whence Jeremy Taylor got his version ? It is given in 
Dr. Priestley's works, quoted in Latin from " Shebeth Jehudnh. The 
Tribe of Judah, the Virgin Daughter of Solomon; containing the va 
rious Calamities, Martyrdoms, Dispersions, &c, of the Jews. Trans 
tated from Hebrew into Latin, by George Gentius. Hamburg, 1680 
A friend has furnished us with the following translation. 



284 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL, 



bond of peace" amid a diversity of faith. It thus 
truly prefigures that glorious era when the Golden 
Rule shall have been received and obeyed by all the 
tribes and nations of men. The high barriers which, in 



" The most noble author Sadus relates that that venerable exam- 
ple of antiquity, the patriarch Abraham, celebrated for the glory of 
hospitality, thought it not happy nor fortunate for him, unless he had 
received some guest, whom, as a presiding genius of his household, 
he might serve with all kind offices. Once upon a time, when he had 
no guest, and had sent abroad to seek for a stranger, he perceived a 
man bowed down with years and wearied with travelling, lying un- 
der a tree. Approaching him, he led him home as his guest, and che- 
rished him with every attention. When the supper was ready, and 
Abraham and his family addressed themselves to prayer, the old 
man stretched forth his hand to the food, making no show of religion 
or piety. Seeing which, Abraham thus addressed him : ' Old man, it 
scarcely becomes thy white hairs to take food without previous ve- 
neration of the Deity.' To whom the old man replied, 'lama fire- 
worshipper, and ignorant of that sort of manners, for our fathers 
have never taught me such piety.' At which words, Abraham, horri- 
fied that he had intercourse with a fire-worshipper, as one profane 
and a stranger to the worship of his God, removed him from the table, 
and drove him from his house, as an offence to his company, and 
an enemy to his religion. But behold, the Great God at that mo- 
ment admonished Abraham. ' What dost thou, Abraham ? Becomes 
it thee to have done this ? I have given this old man, although un- 
grateful to me, life and sustenance for more than a hundred years ; 
canst thou not give the man one meal, nor bear with him even a mo- 
ment?' Being thus admonished by the Divine voice, Abraham 
brought back the old man from his journey, and attended him with 
such kind offices, piety, and converse, that by his example he led 
him to the worship of the true God." 

Such is the version of 1680. The original of all, by " the most no- 
ble author Sadus," (believed to be Arabic,) — who will furnish that? 

Long as this note already is, we cannot refrain from adding to it 
the following appropriate parable by Krummacher. 



OF THE GOLDEN RULE DEGREE. 2Kb 



the world, separated men from each other, are here re- 
moved. They have left their prejudices at the door, 
and mingle in one circle of brotherhood, harmony, and 
love. The descendants of Abraham, the diverse fol- 
lowers of Jesus, the Pariahs of the stricter sects, here 
gather around the same altar, as one family, manifest- 

«THE PARSEE, THE JEW, AND THE CHRISTIAN." 

"A Jew stepped into a Parsee temple, and saw there the holy fire. 
He spake to the priest: What, do you worship the fire? Not the 
fire, replied the priest : it is to us an emblem of the sun, and of its 
genial light. Then asked the Jew, Do you then worship the sun as 
your God? Do you not know that this also is a creation of the 
Almighty ? That we know, answered the priest, but man being de- 
pendent on his senses, needs sensible signs in order to apprehend 
the Most High. And is not the sun the type of the invisible, incom- 
prehensible Source of light that embraces and blesses all?. 

" Then the Israelite answered: Do your people then, distinguish 
the type from the prototype ? Already they call the sun their god, 
and even sinking from this again to a lower image, bow before the 
earthly flame. You charm his external and dazzle his internal eye ; 
and while you hold up before him the earthly light, you withdraw 
from him the heavenly. You should not make unto thee any image, 
nor any likeness at all. 

" How then, asked the Parsee, do you designate the highest na- 
ture ? The Jew replied, We call it Jehovah Adonai, that is, the 
Lord who is, who was, and who will be ! Your word is great and 
glorious, said the Parsee, but it is fearful. 

"A Christian then stepped up and said, We call him Our Fa- 
ther. The Gentile and the Jew looked on each other with amaze- 
ment, and said, That is the nearest and the highest. But who gives 
you the courage thus to address the Eternal ? Who else, said the 
Christian, but He, the Father himself? * * * * * 

" And when they understood it they believed, and lifted up their 
eyes joyfully toward heaven, and said, full of fervor and spirit, 
Father ! dear Father ! 

" And now all three shook hands, and called themselves Brothers.' 



2R6 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL 



ing no differences of creed or worship, and discord and 
contention are forgotten in works of humanity and 
peace. Such scenes lead the lover of God and of man- 
kind to sigh, « Oh when shall the warrior's spear be 
broken, and his sword rest within its scabbard, and the 
united thoughts and energies of man be given to the 
service of humanity in the cultivation of fraternal love, 
justice, mercy, and true righteousness — to the service 
of God, in seeking to know him better, to love him 
more, and to serve and obey him in all things !" 

6. And that glorious and blessed era will yet come. 
Patriarchs, Prophets, and Apostles have not predicted 
it in vain. Good men and true will not lose the labor 
with which they have sought to effect it. And the 
principle of Toleration, based on fraternity, as combined 
with the active benevolence of our beloved Order, will 
enable us to be co-workers with them in hastening its 
coming. Hence let us ever remember that, from what- 
ever cause, men do not think, any more than they look 
alike. And while we tolerate neither laxity of principle 
nor viciousness of conduct, we may safely allow each 
man to form and indulge in his own opinions, while we 
unite with him in practising those great precepts which 
belong to all religions, and which all acknowledge to be 
paramount as rules of life. The Golden Rule finds a 
ready response in every conscience. All will assent to 
its rightfulness and its importance. Let us then not 
cease its practice, while we urge the reasons for our 
faith. On it let us all unite in furthering the mission 
of Odd-Fellowship, till man everywhere shall behold in 
every fellow-man a brother ; till all shall realize that 
Sin is the worst evil, and Hatred the worst sin, to 
individuals and to the race ; till mankind shall indeed 
be one family, and one great law, the law of Love, p1m.11 



OF THE GOLDEN RULE DEGREE. 28< 



hind continents, isles, and nations in one community 
forever* For this « consummation, devoutly to be 
wished," let us hope, labor, and ever pray unto that 
God who is Love, even the Father of all. 

7. The color of this degree is that of gold — yellow. 
To the black gloves and black apron, (the regalia of the 
Patriarchal degree,) the brother of this degree may now 
add golden-colored fringe to the latter. 

§ 2. Emblems of the Golden Rule Degree. 




-.g^WOT-^v ■ « "%_ 



1. The Tables of the Laiv. — This represents the great 
common basis of the three great religions of the world, 
(Judaism, Christianity, and Mohammedanism,) which 
have the worship of the One, Only Living and True God 
for their object. They are existing facts in the progress 
of the human mind in religion, and in the Providence of 
God. As such we would draw from them lessons of 
wisdom and virtue. 

This common basis of worship and morals teaches 



28 S 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Christians, that as they have received so much from the 
Jew, they may well bear with his supposed deficiency 
until they can impart to him again. The Moslem 
learns from it that the foundation on which he stands is 
also the common ground of others. And as the Jew 
beholds his Law progressing among the nations, while 
his nation remains unincreased in numbers, and without 
a country as his home, let him rejoice in hope, and ex- 
tend his love to follow wheresoever his Law goes in 
triumph. 

Followers of greatly different leaders, ye are worship- 
pers of the one God who is Father of all, and therefore 
are ye brethren. As such, forbearance, and charity, 
and speaking the truth in love, should reign among us ; 
unity in good works, in which all agree ; and toleration 
in opinions, wherein we differ. 




2. The Altar of Incense " suggests to us the manner 
m which God was worshipped by his ancient people ; 



OP THE KOYAL PURPLE DEGREE. 291 



and it instructs us that He now requires his people to 
offer unto him the incense of prayer and praise, of grati- 
tude and thanksgiving ; and will only accept the sacri- 
fice of a broken and contrite heart."* « Therefore, if 
thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest 
that thy brother hath aught against thee ; leave there 
thy gift before the altar, and go thy way ; first, be re- 
conciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy 
gift."f 



CHAPTER XIX. 

OF THE ROYAL PURPLE DEGREE. 

§ 1. Summary of preceding Degrees. 

As this is the highest degree of the Subordinates, it 
may not be amiss in this place briefly to array the line 
of special principles and applications of Fraternity 
through which the candidate has passed in arriving at 
it. The First Degree inculcated Fidelity as its leading 
idea, illustrated by Purity, Benevolence, and Charity. 
The prominent idea of the Second Degree is Covenanted 
Love, (as in the case of David and Jonathan,) illustrated 
by deeds of mutual relief in seasons of difficulty, danger, 
and distress. The Third Degree prominently sets forth 
an extension of this, in self-sacrificing Friendship on a 
larger scale, (as in the case of Moses,) illustrated by 
risking ease, property, and even life, to save a brother. 
The Fourth Degree makes the principle of universal 

* Odd-Fellow, 1842. f Matt. v. 23, 24. 



292 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Love its theme : Love, not to the Order only, but to all 
mankind, as underlying all the preceding. The Fifth 
Degree makes Truth, in action and in sentiment, its 
leading idea, illustrated by correctness of speech and 
conduct, by fraternal watchcare and loving correction 
of our brethren. The Patriarchal Degree makes special 
application of the foregoing, in the duty of Hospitality 
to the stranger, and especially to the brother. And 
the Golden Rule Degree, carrying the sentiment of 
charity into the domain of mind, enforces Toleration 
(not indifference, nor yet approval) of all differences of 
opinion, faith, and worship, for the sake of unity in 
working in the cause of God and humanity. We now 
reach, in this most sublime degree, the idea of Rest (not 
indolence, or cessation of the powers of mind and heart, 
but) the Rest of Faith, that prelibation of the immortal, 
glorious Repose of Immortality itself. For heaven is 
the Reality of all that Regeneration prefigures — of 
Faith, which is "the substance of things hoped for, the 
evidence of things not seen." That heavenly, purely 
spiritual repose, is but a higher, greater freedom for the 
soul to exercise its powers aright, easily, willingly, 
gladly. 

" Rest is not quitting 
The busy career ; 
Rest is the fitting 

Of self for its sphere. 
* * # * * 
'Tis loving and serving 

The Highest and Best! 
'Tis Onward ! unswerving — 
And that is true rest." 



OP THE ROYAL PURPLE DEGREE. 293 



§ 2. Introduction to the R. P. Degree. 

1. Let all who are weary of ill-doing, and heavy laden 
with doubt and error, seek the unwearying activity of 
true righteousness, and the calm search after truth and 
Divine assurance : such will find rest to their souls. 
And they will find it only by travelling the road the 
Patriarchs trod before them. 

2. There is no true, real rest on earth. Once entered 
on life, all is toil and trouble, from infancy to old age. 
We are enticed and hurried onward, and still onward, 
without power of halting to enjoy the beautiful and 
pleasing of present time on the journey. The child 
enjoys not the sunshine of a mother's caress, he longs 
to be a youth. The youth is beguiled from his glad- 
some sports by the wish to become a man. The man is 
impelled onward, yet onward, through perils, struggling 
and striving ever after enjoyments which burst in his 
grasp and flee as he approaches. And thus the restless 
spirit is impelled on life's swift current, till it is merged 
in the ocean of eternity ! 

3. But you are strong in body and stout in heart, 
and the experience of others is naught to you. You 
hope for a better fate than has been won by those who 
preceded you. The wreck of their joys will save you 
from their disasters ; the wild torrents that overwhelmed 
them, you feel strong to stem. Be it as you say. 
Onward, then, and God speed you in your laudable 
endeavors, and furnish you with good guidance and 
sure protection. 

4. If true principle, combined with stern integrity, 
be your guide and safeguard in the journey, all will be 
well. However derided by the worldly-wise, and abused 

25* 



294 



THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



by the imprudent, it alone can lead you through the in- 
tricacies of your path, and deliver you from the tempta- 
tions that would allure you from your onward course. 



AjiJi/ 




5. Onward, but be wary. Narrow and rough though 
the path be, it is better than the broad and flower-strewn 
way that leads to death. Press on, though obstacles in- 
crease and the gloom thickens and the dark forests 
threaten to shut out the day. Seek not ease, pilgrim, 
for it can be obtained only at the risk of delay and per- 
haps destruction. 

6. Be principle still your guide. If Sensuality calls 
in syren tones and songs of mirth, opening an easy road 
beneath your feet, turn not in. Look down, and be- 
hold serpents twined among the roses ; note that the 
laughter is that of giddy intoxication ; see the iron 
bands concealed in the flower-wreaths, rusting into flesh, 
and mind, and heart. Oh, there is no canker equal to 
sensual lust ! If Ambition invites to worldly glory, be- 
hold beneath her robes meek humanity bleeding in the 



OF THE ROYAL PURPLE DEGREE. 295 



dust ! Turn from her chaplet, crimsoned with the blood 
of brethren slain ; and her laurels, watered with the tears 
of widowed mothers and orphaned babes. "He that 
taketh the sword shall perish by the sword." The spi- 
rit of fell destruction that would lure thee on to fame, 
will as readily pile thy corse on a heap of slain, a mo- 
nument to another's honour. No, no ; let useful aims 
engross your energies, that the world may feel you have 
not lived in vain. And be your journey long or short, 
"the great teacher, Death," is neared at last, before 
whose scrutinizing eye all your life-deeds will gather 
darkness and rust, unless they were wrought in love and 
goodness. Be firm, then, in principle, and you may 
hope for the best. A rugged path is traversed at last, 
and when the waning light of old age is reached, you 
will retrospect your journey and find it short, for life is 
brief at most. Passing the critical period of life which 
establishes its character, you turn the hill, and begin its 
descent. Kapidly now you approach the great aim — 
rest, the only true rest. 

7. Yet deem not all trials past. Many, indeed, sink 
exhausted before they reach this stage. A few troubles 
are yet in the distance, which if passed safely, will leave 
the way to peace and glory all open before you. 

8. Your progress now will be more equable, less 
exciting. Experience has calmed the tumult of your 
spirits and sobered your expectations. The storm of 
death may soon burst upon you, but you will not fear 
it : it will but prepare you for a purer atmosphere be- 
yond. Besides, on its retiring gloom is set the signet 
bow of Hope, placed there by the hand of our covenant- 
keeping Father. 

9. Your guide must soon leave you. In other 
words, Faith must give place to Knowledge, Hope to 



296 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Fruition. However serviceable in this world of sha- 
dows and blindness, they imperfectly represent the glo- 
rious realities beyond. Those of defective judgment 
and wayward passions may lay their own errors at the 
door of their guide ; but they who have truly followed 
their lead can better judge their worth as teachers and 
comforters here, and guides to the great realities on 
high. 

10. But better even their imperfect teachings than 
the starless night of their absence ; better their guid- 
ance than wandering unled through the snares and pit- 
falls, passion-tost and impulse-driven, unto destruction 
without it. They bring to cheering music and to joy- 
ous light the wandering soul at last. 

11. Happy they who, admitted to the company of 
departed patriarchs of time, are permitted to sit down 
with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, at the feast of Hea- 
ven's kingdom. It may be said of them, "Ye are come 
unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, 
the heavenly Jerusalem ; and to an innumerable com- 
pany of angels ; to the general assembly and church of 
the first-born, which are written in heaven ; and to God, 
the Judge of all ; and to the spirits of just men made 
perfect."* 

12. In imagination place yourself there, and review 
the probable pilgrimage of your life. Such reviews 
may be salutary to your real future. 

The progress, so tedious at the time, how rapid ! The 
discipline, so sharp, how purifying ! All excellence 
gained has been the result of toil ; all perfection ac- 
quired, the fruit of suffering. How blinded are we, not 
only to danger, but to good ! What childish desires, 

* Hebrews sii. 22, 23. 



OF THE ROYAL PURPLE DEGREE. 



restless and unsatisfiable, impel us onward ! What bub- 
bles we grasp after ; what bubbles burst in our grasp ! 
"What shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue !." 
Thus, from our first feeble wail in the cradle to the last 
groan on the bed of death, " all is vanity and vexation 
of spirit." And Death is at our side through it all: 
watching the first breath we draw, implanting disease in 
our sustenance, impregnating the vital air with his 
breath ; he pursues us steadily to the close, and triumphs 
at last. How necessary, then, to realize these facts, 
that we may sedulously practice those principles which 
alone can convert his conquest into our triumph, even 
make us more than conquerors over the last enemy, the 
conquering foe of our race ! 

13. Let us be Patriarchs, then, in deed, and not in 
name only. Let us contemplate with reverence all that 
is good, and copy all that is laudable, in the characters 
and lives of those ancient worthies. They were faith- 
ful, confiding in the veracity of Him who promised. 
They showed their faith by works, not by professions 
only. What a glorious galaxy is furnished in the Epis- 
tle to the Hebrews ! 

14. SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than 
Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testi- 
fying of his gifts ; and by it he, being dead, yet speaketh. By faith 
Enoch was translated that he should not see death ; and was not 
found, because God had translated him : for before his translation he 
had this testimony, that he pleased God. 

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, 
moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house ; by the 
which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteous- 
ness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to 
go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, 
obeyed, and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he 



298 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling 
in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same 
promise : for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose 
maker and builder is God. 

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Jo- 
seph,- and worshipped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith 
Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children 
of Israel ; and gave commandment concerning his bones. By faith 
Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, be- 
cause they saw he was a proper child, and they were not afraid of 
the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to 
years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter ; choosing 
rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the 
pleasures of sin for a season. By faith the Israelites passed 
through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians assaying 
to do were drowned. 

And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of 
Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephtha, of David also, 
arid of Samuel, and of the prophets, who through faith subdued 
kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the 
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of 
the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in 
fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. — Hebrews si. 4, 5, 
7-10, 20-25, and 29-34. 

15. Such are the men we should imitate in their ad- 
herence to true worship, in their fidelity to duty, in their 
devotion to the interests of posterity, and in their 
hopefulness for the future. Virtues like these are of 
more worth than many jewels or heaps of gold, are the 
only true riches and honors of the soul, and will fur- 
nish comfort and peace when all else on earth fades 
from the grasp and vanishes from the sight. 

16. In concluding our remarks upon this highest de- 
gree of the Subordinates, we cannot but congratulate 
you on its reception. If the teachings imparted have 
been duly impressed on your mind, your time and labor 



OF THE ROYAL PURPLE DEGREE. £99 



will not have been devoted in vain. And we trust that 
as your mind, thus freighted, advances in moral investi- 
gation, the light within you may grow "brighter and 
brighter unto the perfect day," until faith is truly swal- 
lowed up in knowledge, and hope in fruition, and charity 
survives — immortal, blissful, and all in all. 

Remember, then, the obligations resting on you, and 
may the prayers offered up at your admission, initiation, 
and elevation, be fulfilled in and by you of our Heavenly 
Father. 

17. The color of this degree is the Imperial Purple. 
The regalia, black gloves and black apron and a purple 
collar trimmed with gold (or yellow) lace or fringe, and 
the apron ornamented with any of the emblems of the 
Order : those peculiar to the Encampment being most 
suitable. 

§ 3. Emblems of the R. P. Degree. 

1. The Scythe " reminds us of the solemn truth, that 
as the grass falls before the mower's scythe, so man, be- 
ing as the grass and flower of the field, must wither 
before the touch of time, and fall before the King of 
Terrors."* 




Odd-Fellow," Richmond, Va., 1842. 



300 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



2. The Hour Glass "reminds us of the speedy pas- 
sage of time, and admonishes us to improve the mo- 
ments as they fly in a manner that shall redound to the 
glory of God, and our own and our neighbour's good. 
It also brings before us the great contrast between time 
and eternity."* 






/^3ljplp^^ L vfc 


siysj s^lft- 




__' '"" _ - . '■ _7^-J| " 


^mj^ = __ ; - jm — "-^ 


=.;==%gS p^E^jjp^ 


--■ ■■■ _ 




- 1 ; "" 


;,:liftiiif : 



3. The Ark of the Covenant belonged to the Holy of 
Holies, within the second vail of the Tabernacle ; and 
contained the golden pot of Manna, Aaron's Rod that 
budded, and the Tables of the Law ; and on it was the 
Mercy-seat, overshadowed by the wings of the Cheru- 
bim, between which the Shekinah, or Cloud of Glory, 
denoting the presence of the Holy One, appeared to the 
High Priest. It is therefore a most solemn emblem, 
suggestive of all that is known of heaven itself, of which 
the Holy of Holies was but a type or pattern. And 
" as the prosperity of ancient Israel depended on the 

* "Odd-Fellow," 1842. 



OF THE ROYAL PURPLE DEGREE. 301 



respect, devotion, and obedience paid by them to the 
Ark of the Covenant and its sacred deposites, so will our 
peace and prosperity be graduated by our obedience to 
the requisitions of the Most High."* 




4. The Globe in full light teaches us that when 
Truth and Righteousness fully prevail, the mists of er- 
ror and the glooms of wrong must be dissipated from 
our whole earth ; and then the sun shall no more go 
down, nor its moon withdraw itself; for the Lord shall 
be its everlasting light, and the days of its mourning 
shall be ended. (Isa. Ix. 20.) It is also a memento that 
to the member of this degree the full light of our Order 
is dispensed, disclosing not only the globe as his field 
of labor, but the globe as it will appear when all that 
labor has been consummated by Divine Providence. 

"To the Sun of Truth if thou turnest thy back, 
The shadow of self will darken thy track. 



Odd-Fellow," 1842. 
2C> 



302 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Is ' Forward' the motto ? It will end in woe, 

For taller and darker that shadow will grow. 

Brother ! thou hast turn'd thy face to the Sun, 

And a good pilgrimage with thee is begun. 

To the spiritual equator still forward press, 

And every step thy shadow will be less. 

Onward, still onward with cheerfulness haste, 

Past Syren bower and o'er Satyr waste; 

For the shrine is with beauty and blessing crown'd,' 

And glory is beaming forever around. 

Thou shalt know thy pilgrimage complete, 

When all of shadow is beneath thy feet."* 

We cannot better conclude our remarks on the sub- 
lime degrees than with the following Ode, which ap- 
peared originally in the Golden Rule, several years 
since, before the revision of our Lectures, as the Pa- 
triarch of those days will probably perceive, notwith- 
standing its bold poetic license. It was signed "Luof," 
and dated at Canandaigua, N. Y., and entitled 

THE PILGRIMAGE OF LIFE. 

Hail, Patriarchs of high degree, 

The watch is set, the password given ! 
A Son of Nimrod, bold and free, 

Shall guide and guard the way to heaven. 
The Pilgrim-stranger travels on, 

O'er hill and stream, a weary way ; 
Through night and storm, yet cries, "Go on ! 

Till I behold the perfect day." 

Life's rough and thorny way is trod, 

Death's narrow bridge is nobly won, 
The bright Pavilion of our God 

Gleams in the distant horizon ! 



* "Autobiography of Rev. A. C. Thomas," p. 297. 



OF THE EOYAL PURPLE DEGREE. 303 



Hark! clashing arms assail our ears — 

The battle of the last great day- 
Is o'er ; let Pilgrims dry their tears, 
March boldly on their bright'ning way. 

Hark! Pilgrim, pause — the balmy air 

Breathes music sweet as seraphs sing ! 
Now, distant, far — and now, more near, 

Throughout the Camp loud anthems ring! 
Hark! the full chorus pealing out 

From conq'ring legions, pure and brave, 
Like many waters, thundering, shout — 

"Where is thy victory, boasting grave?" 

Bright Seraphim, who guard the Tent, 

We kneel before the Holy Place ! 
Then let the purple vail be rent, 

Behold your Chief with open face! 
"Rise, Patriarchs, rise! Behold in me 

The Centre of your mystic ring — 
Your Password through eternity — 

Melchisedek, your Priest and King !" 



CHAPTER XX. 

OF GRAND ENCAMPMENTS. 

§ 1. How Commenced and Constituted. 

Until a Grand Encampment is instituted in any 
State or Territory, the Grand Lodge of the United 
States alone has power to charter an Encampment in 
its bounds ; and such Subordinates receive their laws 
and instructions from, and make their returns and pay 



304 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



percentage on their receipts to, the Grand Lodge of 
the United States alone. But when a Grand Encamp- 
ment is established in any State or Territory, all the 
Subordinates of the'same receive their instructions from, 
and make returns and pay percentage to, their State 
Grand Encampment only. They are no longer subject 
to the Grand Lodge of the United States directly, but 
only indirectly through their Grand Encampment. 

When three or more Subordinate Encampments con- 
tain seven or more Past Chief Patriarchs in good stand- 
ing, they can call a Convention to petition the Grand 
Lodge of the United States for a Charter for a Grand 
Encampment within their State, Territory, or District. 
Each Encampment in the proposed jurisdiction will 
appoint one or more of its Chief Patriarchs to represent 
it in the proposed Convention, which should be duly 
notified to be held at a place and time convenient for 
all parties. These Representatives should be furnished 
with certificates of appointment, and a statement of the 
number of P. C. Patriarchs in good standing in their 
respective Encampments, under seal. The propriety 
of applying for a charter, and the location of the Grand 
Encampment, are to be determined by a majority of 
the Convention, comprising at least three Encampments 
in favor, the votes being taken by Encampments. After 
which, the Petition is drawn up, (see Appendix,) signed 
by the Representatives, and forwarded to the Grand 
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the United States, 
accompanied by, 1st, the Charter fee of thirty dollars ; 
and 2d, the certificates and certified statements given 
the Representatives, as above named. The Encamp- 
ments petitioning, must have paid up their dues, or the 
Charter will not be granted; but if not granted, the 
Charter fee will be returned. If granted, the Grand 



OF GKAND ENCAMPMENTS. 305 



Encampment will be duly instituted and instructed by 
the Grand Sire, or some qualified brother duly author- 
ized. The expenses of such opening are paid by the 
new Grand Encampment. 

During the interim between the sessions of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, the Grand Sire, Deputy 
Grand Sire, and Grand Secretary are authorized to 
consider and grant Charters, subject, however, to 
the revision of the Grand Lodge of the United States, 
at its next session. Such Charter continues in force so 
long as its requisitions are obeyed, and while seven 
P. C. Patriarchs, the representatives of three Encamp- 
ments, continue to claim it. If forfeited or annulled 
for just cause, it must be delivered to the Grand 
Recording Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the United 
States, or the G. P. of the Grand Encampment, (as the 
case may be,) with all the documents, books, funds, 
and other property, to be returned on the renewal of 
the same. 

And this rule and procedure are applied in all cases 
of Lodges and Encampments, Grand and /Subordinate, 
by the power having jurisdiction. No Charter can be 
thrown up while the requisite number claim it. 

Grand Encampments are composed of all Past Chief 
Patriarchs in good standing in their jurisdiction. In 
many States, Past High Priests are also admitted as 
members. They yield precedence to State Grand 
Lodges, but have supreme jurisdiction over their Subor- 
dinate Encampments. They are themselves subject to 
the Grand Lodge of the United States, to which they 
submit their Constitution and By-Laws for revision, 
make their returns, and pay fifty dollars per annum for 
each Representative which they are entitled to send to 
that Grand Body: that is to say, until they have one 

26* 



306 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



thousand members of Subordinates in jurisdiction, one 
Grand Representative, and after that, two. They may 
nominate, by their Representation, a candidate for 
each office of Grand Sire and Deputy Grand Sire, and 
are entitled to copies of the Proceedings of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, equal to double the number 
of Subordinates in their jurisdiction. 

The support of a Grand Encampment is derived from 
fees for charters and dispensations, and a specified per- 
centage levied on the receipts of its Subordinates. To 
this is sometimes added a small profit on the Odes 
and Lecture-books, which it purchases from the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, when those gratuitously 
furnished to its Subordinates, at institution, have been 
destroyed or worn out. 

§ 2. The Grand Encampment Degree. 

The Grand Encampment opens, works, and closes in 
the Grand Encampment Degree only, which must be 
conferred on its members free of charge. The receiver 
of this degree appeals to heaven and earth to witness 
the fidelity with which he will represent the interests of 
his Subordinate, and at the same time faithfully pre- 
serve the secrets, advance the interests, and promote 
the welfare of his Grand Encampment. May the God 
of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob aid him, and keep him 
true and pure as a fellow-patriarch with those who have 
preceded him into the true rest ! 

§ 8. Members, Representatives, and Committees. 

Each P. C. P. (and in some States, P. H. P.) in good 
standing within jurisdiction, is a member of the Grand 



OF GRAND ENCAMPMENTS. 307 



Encampment, and is entitled, as such, to attend its 
sessions, to receive its degree, to hold office if elected 
and qualified, to take precedence according to grade, 
and to vote for Grand officers ; and of these privileges 
he cannot be deprived so long as he retains his good 
standing in the Order. In nearly all the States, mem- 
bership, and the powers of legislator as the Representa- 
tive of his Subordinate, are connected. But the P. C. 
Patriarchs may (as in Northern New York) delegate 
the legislative power to a select portion of their number, 
to be annually elected for that purpose, as may be fixed 
by Constitution and By-Law. 

Each P. C. P. (and P. H. P.) on completing his ser- 
vice in the Chairs of the Subordinate Encampment, 
should receive therefrom a Certificate under seal, stating 
the fact, and recommending him as a member of the 
Grand Encampment. (And when elected to serve as 
a Representative, where the legislative power is confined 
to a select number, a Certificate to that effect should 
also be given.) On the presentation of such Certificate 
in the Grand Encampment, a proper officer is appointed 
to wait on the candidate, and, after due examination, 
prepare and conduct him into the. Grand Encampment 
to receive its degree and take his seat. 

The business of the Grand Encampments is fre- 
quently performed by Committees, provided in the 
Constitution and By-Laws, or appointed specially as 
occasions demand. These vary in number, and in duties 
and powers, in various jurisdictions, but partake, gene- 
rally, so nearly of the same character with those of the 
Subordinates, that a reference to Chap. XL is sufficient. 
Of Appeal Committees we shall speak in Chap. XXII. 



308 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



§ 4. Appointed and Elective Officers. 



The officers of a Grand Encampment are — M. W. 
Grand Patriarch, M. E. Grand High Priest, R. W. 
Grand Senior Warden, R. W. Grand Junior Warden, 
R. W. Grand Scribe, R. W. Grand Treasurer, and 
R. W. Grand Representative, (or Representatives,) who 
are elected by the members as provided by its funda- 
mental laws; and W. Grand Inside and Outside Sen- 
tinels, who are appointed by the Grand Patriarch at his 
installation. R. W. District Grand Patriarchs for each 
District in jurisdiction are usually appointed by the 
Grand Patriarch also, but their appointment may be 
otherwise provided for in the Constitution and By- 
Laws. (See Chap. XXII.) R. W. Grand Representa- 
tive we shall consider in Chap. XXIII. 

1. W. Grand Sentinels. — The 
Jewel of these Officers is Crossed 
Swords in a double Triangle of 
yellow metal. 

The duty of the Outside Sentinel 
is to guard the outside door ; and 
of the Inside Sentinel, to guard 
the inside door of the Grand En- 
campment, and prevent the ad- 
mission, or facilitate the ejectment, of any improper 
person, under the orders of the Presiding Officer. The 
same qualifications are required- as for similar officers 
in the Subordinate. 




OF GRAND ENCAMPMENTS. 



309 




2. The R. W. Grand Treasurer. 
— The Jewel is Crossed Keys in a 
double Triangle of yellow metal. 

His duties are the same as in 
the same officer of the Subordinate. 
His bond is usually executed to 
theG. P., G. H. P., andG.S.W.; 
and in most cases, the investment 
of the funds is confided to his 
charge. 




3. The R. W. Grand Scribe.— 
The Jewel is Crossed Pens in a 
double Triangle of yellow metal. 

His duties are to record the pro- 
ceedings of the Grand Encamp- 
ment, superintend their printing, 
and distribute them to the D. D. 
G. Patriarchs and the Subordinates ; 
to keep the accounts between the 
Grand and Subordinate Encampments, and between the 
former and all other bodies and individuals having busi- 
ness transactions therewith ; to receive all payments 
made to the Grand Encampment, and pay the same to 
the Grand Treasurer ; to send necessary notices to 
Subordinates and others ; to provide needed stationery 
for the Grand Encampment; and perform such other 
duties as pertain to the office and as the Grand Encamp- 
ment may order. He is generally required to give bond 
for the faithful execution of his duties to the three 
principal Grand Officers. He receives pecuniary com- 
pensation (a fixed salary) for his services. 



310 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 




4. The R. W. Grand Junior 
Warden. — The Jewel of this office 
is a single Crook in a double Tri- 
angle of yellow metal. 

His duties are to open and close 
the Grand Encampment as directed ; 
to introduce all new members ; and 
to officiate in cases similar to those 
confided to the Junior Warden's 



office in the Subordinate. 



5. The R. W. Grand Senior 
Warden. — The Jewel of this office 
is Crossed Crooks within a double 
Triangle of yellow metal. 

His duties are to assist in pre- 
serving order and enforcing the 
laws and rules of the Grand En- 
campment ; to preside in the ab- 
sence of the G. P. and G. H. P.; 

and to perform such other duties as are analogous to 

those of the S. W. of a Subordinate. 




6. The M. E. Grand High 
Priest. — The Jewel of this office 
is a Breastplate within a double 
Triangle of yellow metal, worn on 
the breast. 

His duties are those of the second 
officer of a Subordinate : to preside 
in the absence of the G. P., and to 
instruct members in the work of 

the Grand Encampment. He, also, is the Chaplain of 

the Grand Encampment. 




OF GRAND ENCAMPMENTS. 



311 




7. The M. W. Grand Pa- 
triarch. — The Jewel of this office 
is Crossed Crooks and an Altar, 
within a double Triangle of yellow 
metal. 

His duties are to preside over 
and preserve order in the Grand 
Encampment ; to exercise super- 
visory authority within its juris- 
diction; to decide constitutional questions, and deter- 
mine what is law and usage in the Patriarchal branch ; 
to receive and dispose of complaints, and appeals and 
petitions ; to give instructions in the work of the En- 
campment ; to grant such dispensations as he may deem 
for the good of the Order, and to perform such other 
offices as usually pertain to a Chief presiding and exe- 
cutive officer. 

Regalia. — The regalia of an officer of a Grand En- 
campment is a royal purple collar or sash, and black 
apron, trimmed with gold bullion fringe, usually orna- 
mented with some emblems of the order. 

All Past Officers of Grand and Subordinate Encampments are 
entitled to wear the regalia and jewels appertaining to the offices 
they have passed. — Digest, p. 30, § 13. 

Past Officers of every description, and members in possession of 
Encampment Degrees, and all other members of the Order, when 
visiting Grand or Subordinate Lodges, are entitled to wear the regalia 
and jewels pertaining to the highest degree which they have taken, 
if they think proper to appear in such regalia. — Art. 31 of By-Laws 
of the G. L. U. S. 

Privileges. — The elective officers of all Grand Bodies 
may introduce visiting brethren (without examination 
&i others) into any Subordinate within the jurisdiction 
of their Grand Body, which such visitors would be en- 
titled to visit by card. — Digest, p. 56, §§ 11, 12. 



S12 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



CHAPTER XXL 

OF STATE GRAND LODGES. 

§ 1. How Commenced and Constituted. 

Grand Lodges, under the authority and supervision 
of the Grand Lodge of the United States, have supreme 
legislation and control of the affairs of the Order within 
the State, Territory, or. District comprising their juris- 
diction. They cannot interfere with the jurisdiction 
proper of the Grand Encampments ; but take prece- 
dence of them on a]l public occasions. 

Until a Grand Lodge is established in a State, Ter- 
ritory, or District, the Grand Lodge of the United 
States has immediate and supreme jurisdiction over all 
interests of the Order within the same. But after three 
or more Lodges have seven or more Past Grands, they 
may unite and petition for a Charter for a Grand Lodge 
to be established within such State, District, or Terri- 
tory, and when such Grand Lodge is opened, all Subor- 
dinate Lodges become immediately subject to it alone, 
as in the case of Grand and Subordinate Encampments. 
The preliminary proceedings for establishing a Grand 
Lodge are also the same. (See Chap. XX.) It con- 
tinues to exist so long as it has five members in good 
standing. 

Grand Lodges are required to render the same 
obedience, and to pay the same support to the Grand 
Lodge of the United States : are entitled to representa- 
tion in it on the same basis and terms : receive from it 



OF STATE GRAND LODGES. 313 



the same privileges, as Grand Encampments. They 
?,re supported by revenue derived from the same sources, 
and collected from their Subordinate Lodges. (See 
Chap. XX.) 

§ 2. The Grand Lodge Degree. 

Grand Lodges work only in the Grand Lodge Degree, 
which must be conferred in the Grand Lodge or one of 
its apartments. This is conferred, as are all past 
official degrees, on all entitled to receive it, without 
pecuniary charge. 

He who receives this degree is eligible to legislate 
for the welfare of his Lodge and the Order, and to sit 
in judgment in trials of Lodges and brethren. He 
should not only see clearly the mote that is in another's 
eye, but remove the beam that may be in his own ; and 
the causes hidden from common view, he should search 
out. Thus with impartiality and searching scrutiny let 
him faithfully represent his constituents, and truly 
serve his Grand Lodge and the Order, as one of its 
Past Grands. 

§ 3. Members, Representatives, and Committees. 

Similar to Grand Encampments, " each Grand Lodge 
consists of all the Past Grands in good standing within 
its jurisdiction ; but by its Constitution it may restrict 
its legislative power to such representative basis as it 
may deem best for the proper transaction of business ; 
but it cannot abridge the privileges of Past Grands 
pertaining to their rank in the degrees of the Order : 
viz. their right to past official degrees, eligibility to 
office, precedence belonging to their grade, privilege of 

27 



SI 4 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



attending the meetings of their Grand Lodge, and right 
to vote for Grand Officers." — Digest, §5, p. 43, 

This has been construed as excluding all others, until 
lately, the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania gave 
the privilege of electing District Appeal Committees to 
the members of Subordinates generally; and has now 
followed up the measure by extending the privilege of 
electing Representatives to the Grand Lodge, (hereto- 
fore exercised by Past Grrands only,) to all members of 
Subordinates in good standing. Several State Grand 
Lodges have adopted the Representative system, but 
most if not all others require the Representatives to be 
chosen by Past Grands only. 

P. Grands, when first admitted, present the certificate 
of service given them by the Lodge, (or a duplicate, if 
the first has been forwarded to the G. Secretary,) where- 
upon the proper officer examines them in the P. Grand's 
degree, and conducts them to receive the G. Lodge 
degree. When they change th^-ir membership from one 
Lodge to another, the latter gives notice of such change, 
which is sufficient. When the Grand Lodge is repre- 
sentative, P. Grands elected to represent their Subor- 
dinates must present a certificate of election, of which 
forms will be found in our Appendix. 

As in Grand Encampments, so in Grand Lodges, 
much of the business is elaborated and transacted by 
Committees. The duties of these are, generally, so 
similar to those of Subordinates, already treated of in 
Chap. XL, that special remarks are unnecessary, espe- 
cially as the persons appointed are too experienced to 
need them. 



OF STATE GRAND LODGES. 315 



§ 4. Appointed and Elective Officers. 

The appointed and elective officers of a Grand Lodge 
are— M. W. Grand Master, R. W. Deputy Grand Master, 
R. W. Grand Warden, R. W. Grand Secretary, R. W. 
Grand Treasurer, who are elected annually ; and R. W. 
Grand Representative, or Representatives, who are 
elected every two years — one each year — and W. Grand 
Marshal, W. Grand Conductor, and W. Grand Inside 
and Outside Guardian, who are appointed annually by 
the Grand Master. Some Grand Lodges elect or ap- 
point a W. Grand Chaplain and a W. Grand Herald, 
(or Messenger,) in addition to the foregoing. Generally, 
R. W. District Deputy Grand Masters are appointed 
by the Grand Masters, independently, or by consent 
and approval of the Grand Lodge ; but in some States 
they are elected by the Past Grands of their respective 
Districts. In several States the elections for Grand 
Officers are held in the Subordinate Lodges, instead of 
the body of the Grand Lodge ; and in New York they 
are held in the meetings of the Dist. G. Committees, 
and none but P. Grands vote. Of Appeal Committees 
and D. D. G. Masters we will speak in Chap. XXII. ; 
and of G. Representatives to the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, in Chap. XXIII. ; the remainder of the 
Grand Officers we will consider here, in reversed order 
of precedence. 

1. W. Grand Herald. — His duty is to announce 
the G. M. at ceremonials, and to precede and usher the 
Grand Lodge (or its Officers) in its processions. He is 
also the Messenger of the Grand Lodge, as which he 
receives a small salary. In Pennsylvania, he acts as 
the 0. G. also. 



316 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



2. W. Grand Chaplain. — The Jewel is a Bible of 
white metal. His duty is to open and close the Grand 
Lodge with prayer, and to officiate at public ceremonials 
and funerals of the Order which are under special charge 
of the Grand Lodge. 

3. W. Grand Guardian. — The Jewel of this office is 
Crossed Swords of white metal. 

The duties are similar to those of the corresponding 
office in the Subordinate. 

N. B. — The Digest mentions but one Guardian for 
either Grand Body ; but some elect tzoo, as above stated. 

4. W. Grand Conductor. — The Jewel for this office 
is the Roman (or straight, two-edged) Sword, made of 
white metal. 

The duties are to examine the certificates of candi- 
dates for admission, and, if correct, to introduce the 
bearers to the Grand Lodge; and to aid the Grand 
Marshal in his duties. 

5. W. Grand Marshal. — The Jewel of this office 
is a Baton of white metal. 

His duties are to assist the Deputy G. Master in sup- 
porting the Grand Master, and to superintend the ar- 
rangements of all processions ordered or permitted by 
the Grand Lodge. He is specially the Marshal of the 
Grand Lodge, in person, in all processions. 

6. R. W. Grand Treasurer. — 
The Jeivel of this officer is Crossed 
Keys made of white metal. 

His duties are similar to those 
of Treasurer of the Subordinate. 
His books must exhibit clearly the 
sources and amounts of receipts, 
and the purposes and amounts of 
expenditures, as well as to whom 




OF STATE GRAND LODGES. 



317 



paid. In some Grand Lodges he is to make the neces- 
sary investments for the Grand Lodge. His Bond is 
usually executed to the G. Master, Deputy G. Master, 
and G. Warden. 

7. R. W. Grand Secreta. 
tary. — The Jewel for this of- 
ficer is Crossed Pens made of 
white metal. 

His duties are analogous to 

those of the same office in the 

Subordinate, and the same as 

those of Grand Scribe of the 

G. Encampment. They are, 

however, more arduous, and 

are compensated with a larger 

salary. He also usually gives 

bond for his fidelity to the 

three principal officers of the 

Grand Lodge. 

8. R. W. Grand Warden. — 

The Jewel is Crossed Gavels made 

of white metal. 

His duties are to assist the 
Grand Master in maintaining law 
and order in the G. Lodge ; when 
directed by the G. Master, to take 
charge of the door, and to preside 
over the sessions of the G. L. in 
the absence of the G. Master and 
the Deputy G. Master. He gives 
the instruction of his Chair to candidates on their ad- 
mission. 





27* 



318 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 




9. R. W. Deputy Grand Mas- 
ter. — The Jewel of this office is a 
Half Moon, made of white metal. 

The duties are to support the 
Grand Master in presiding over 
the G. Lodge, to fill his chair 
during his absence, and usually to 
act as the Deputy of the district 
in which he resides. In the event 
of the death, removal, or resigna- 
tion of the Grand Master, he succeeds to the Chair for 
the rest of the term, or until a special election supplies 
the vacancy. 

10. M. W. Grand Mas- 
ter. — The Jeivel for this 
officer is the Sun with the 
Scales of Justice engraved 
or impressed thereon, made 
of white metal. 

By his installation into 
office he ceases to be con- 
sidered an active member 
of any Subordinate in par- 
ticular ; though he must 
continue a contributing member in his Lodge. His 
duties are to preside over the G. Lodge during its ses- 
sions, and preserve order and enforce the laws of the 
Order therein ; to execute its laws and mandates dui ing 
the interim between its sessions ; and to open Lodges, 
install officers, and deliver necessary instructions on the 
work of the Order to new Lodges and members and 
officers of the Grand Lodge, either in person or by de- 
puty ; to decide questions of law and usage during the 
recess of the G. Lodge ; and to perform such other du 




OF STATE GRAND LODGES. 



3J9 



ties as belong to an executive and presiding officer of 
such a body. He is usually authorized to grant dispen- 
sations for degrees, when he deems it necessary for the 
good of the Order ; and to confer the Past Official de- 
grees on those entitled to them. He must have received 
those degrees, and in some G. Lodges must also be a 
K. P. D. member in good standing in an Encampment. 

11. Past Grand Mas- 
ter. — The Jewel for a P. 
G. M. is the Sun with 
Heart in hand, made of 
white metal. 

Regalia. — The regalia 
for all officers and mem- 
bers of a Grand Lodge is 
a Scarlet Collar, or sash ; 
*H '' ' *Sl and an apron, either white 

^Aa'^V^ trimmed with scarlet, or 

scarlet trimmed with white. 
The aprons and collars (or 
sashes') may be trimmed with silver lace or fringe, and 
those who have taken the R. P. degree may have trim- 
mings of yellow metal. Digest, §3, 8, pp. 28, 29. 

The elective Grand officers may introduce visiting 
brethren into any Lodge within the jurisdiction of their 
Grand Lodge, without the usual examination of the 
Lodge officers. Digest, §6, 7, p. 47. 

The G. Lodge can confer power on the G. Master to 
grant dispensations for opening Lodges. Digest, §6, p. 4G 




320 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THEIR COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS. 

Grand Lodges and Grand Encampments usually 
divide their jurisdiction into a number of Districts, 
which they place under the charge of proper officers 
and committees, and thus facilitate the performance of 
duties, hasten the redress of grievances, and lessen the 
work of their sessions. Though not taking precedence 
of the Grand Bodies themselves, yet for convenience 
we preferred considering them after their superiors. 

§ 1. District Grand Committees. 

New York has the honor of restoring, under an im- 
proved form, these long and generally disused branches 
of our organization. Every P. G. in good standing in 
a Subordinate of the county or counties forming the 
District, is a member of the Committee. It meets in 
the P. N. Grand's degree monthly or quarterly, as de- 
termined by its own By-Laws, and is presided over by the 
D. D. G. Master, the other officers being always elected 
by itself. It has power to recommend the granting 
of charters for new Subordinates in the District ; to 
act upon all appeals and grievances originating in the 
same ; to settle disputes and controversies between its 
Lodges ; to grant dispensations for the admission into 
Lodges in the District of expelled members, or mem- 
bers of expelled or suspended Lodges, and to nominate 
candidates for the Grand Lodge officers. Its business 



THEIR COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS. 321 



is subject to the revision of the G. Lodge. It must 
keep faithful minutes of its own meetings, by its Secre- 
tary, who issues all notices ordered by the D. D. G. M. 
And it may be suspended, after due trial, and a two- 
third vote of the G. L., for just cause ; such suspension 
suspends its members from the G. L., except by special 
act of exemption for those not engaged in the offence. 

§ 2. District Appeal Committees. 

In Pennsylvania, each Lodge elects a P. G. thereof 
as member of the Appeal Committee. To any three 
Past Grands thus elected, and contiguous to the parties 
concerned, the G. Master refers all appeals and contro- 
versies coming up from the Subordinates, and the deci- 
sion of such Committee, if approved by the Grand Mas- 
ter, is conclusive, unless, for cause shown, he permits 
another hearing before another selection from the Com- 
mittee of the vicinity. 

Both in this, as in all cases of appeals to the New 
York District Committees, or from the Dist. G. Com- 
mittees to the Committee of the G. L. on Appeals, no- 
tice of the appeal is given to the opposite party; the 
books, papers, and minutes of evidence taken on the 
trial, are submitted, and the parties are heard in person, 
(or by counsel in some States,) and the Lodge by its 
sub-committee or officers. And whenever it appears 
that informality or irregularity in the form or manner 
of preferring the charges, or manner of appointing the 
Committee of trial, or in the proceedings of that Com- 
mittee, or of the Lodge, was practised, the case may be 
referred back for another trial. If it appears that the 
charges did not warrant the penalty, (or were not thus 
proved,) or the offence was not within the cognizance 



322 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



qt jurisdiction of the Lodge, or the party was legally 
entitled to acquittal, they may reverse the Lodge pro- 
ceedings, and order the aggrieved member to be rein- 
stated, and no further proceedings can be had against 
him. If incompetent or improper testimony has been 
admitted, or competent and proper testimony excluded, 
or the accused was not allowed sufficient time or fair 
opportunity for defence, the proceedings are reversed, 
and the Lodge ordered to try it again. But in no case 
of appeal shall new evidence be produced, except to 
prove irregularity, &c. ; nor can a Lodge introduce evi- 
dence to contradict its own minutes. These rules may 
vary somewhat in different jurisdictions, but it is be- 
lieved they are of general application in cases of ap- 
peals. 

§ 3. District Deputy Grand Patriarchs. 

In all cases where the general organization of the 
Grand Encampment resembles that of the Grand Lodge 
of the same State or Territory, his duties will corre- 
spond precisely to that of the D. D. G. M., given below. 
As the representative of the Grand Encampment and 
Grand Patriarch in his District, he should be received 
with the honors and courtesies due to those he repre- 
sents, when he visits Encampments in his official ca- 
pacity. 

§ 4. District Deputy Grand Masters. 

The Grand Lodge of New York, before the division, 
defined the duties of this office. We give the most 
important portions. 



The Deputies are clothed in their respective Districts with all the 
powers which would belong to the Grand Master if he were present. 
It is their duty to visit the Subordinates, and give such instructiona 
in the work of the Order as will promote uniformity ; to see that no 
alterations or omissions of any part of the charges or ceremonies cf 
the Order are made ; to enforce a strict observance on the part of the 
Subordinates of the Constitution, By-Laws, and general regulations 
of the Grand Lodge of the United States and of this State ; and to 
report all violations thereof to the Grand Master. To them alone 
application should be made in the first place, for dispensations, ex- 
planations of laws, and advice on all subjects over which the Grand 
Master, if he were present, could exercise jurisdiction; and from 
their decisions an appeal may be taken to the Grand Master. 

In exercise of their powers and duties they do not act as officers 
of the Subordinates, and can exercise no power as officers therein ; 
but their advice and directions must be given to the presiding officers, 
and through them to their respective Lodges, who are responsible 
for any breach of duty to this G. Lodge. 

Those Grand Lodges which are what is called " Re- 
presentative" in government, may find what is better 
suited to their wants in the following, from Art. 5, Con- 
stitution of the G. L. of Northern New York. 

The R. W. Dist. Dep. Grand Masters shall, in the absence of the 
Grand Master, preside at all meetings of the Dist. G. Committees of 
their respective Districts, and preserve order and decorum therein, 
and enforce due observance of the Constitution and By-Laws of the 
Grand Lodge ; be the organs of the Grand Master with the Subordi- 
nates, in their Districts ; have power to call special meetings of the 
D. G. Committees when necessary ; to grant dispensations to Lodges 
in their Districts for granting certificates for the five degrees in less 
time than may be otherwise permitted, when circumstances require 
it ; and to officiate in person, or by special deputy, in conferring the 
five degrees in places where no Degree Lodge may be located. They 
shall see that the work of the Order is performed uniformly; confer 
official degrees on Past Officers ; collect from Lodges in their Dis- 
tricts all returns and moneys due the Grand Lodge, and forward 
them immediately to the Grand Secretary ; install the officers of the 
Lodges under their charge ; decide all questions of law that may be 



324 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 

submitted to them by Lodges or members thereof, under their charge^ 
and report their proceedings semiannually to the Grand Master. 
They shall forthwith report to the G. Master all cases of violation, 
on the part of Subordinates, of the Constitution and By-Laws of the 
G. Lodge, or of disobedience to its lawful commands, or the lawful 
commands of the D. G. Committees. When officially visiting the 
Subordinates of the District, he shall be received with the honors 
of the Order. 

The following excellent rules for the regulation of 
Subordinates in their correspondence with the Grand 
Lodge on questions of law and usage, were adopted by 
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania at its annual session 
in 1850 : 

1. The D. D. G. Master, as the Representative of the Grand Master 
and Agent of this Grand Lodge, shall correct all irregularities and 
illegalities of Lodges and their members within his District, and de- 
cide in writing all questions of law and order properly presented to 
him for that purpose. 

2. All Lodges and members in his District shall present any 
questions of law and usage which may actually arise, to the D. D. G. 
Master for his decision. 

3. All questions of law or usage shall be clearly stated in writing, 
with a statement of the circumstances under which they have arisen, 
and shall be signed by the member, or officers of the Lodge, pro- 
posing the same. 

4. All questions thus proposed, shall be answered in writing, under 
seal of the D. D. G. M. Master, and signed by him, within three weeks 
from the date of their reception ; unless he shall at an earlier date 
notify the Lodge or member of the necessity of referring it to the 
Grand Lodge or its officers. 

5. If any appeal from such decision is made by the Lodge or mem- 
ber, it must be made within one month after its reception ; and must 
be accompanied by the decision appealed from, or a copy thereof, cer- 
tified as correct under, seal of the Lodge, and the reasons for the ap- 
peal, addressed to the Grand Master. 

6. No communication from any member or Subordinate Lodge, on 
questions of law and usage, (except an appeal as aforesaid, or a 
formal complaint against the D. D. G. M.,) shall hereafter be received 



DISTRICTS, THEIR COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS. 325 



by the Grand Lodge officers, unless the same comes under the seal 
and endorsement of a D. D. G. Master. 

7. The D. D. G. M. of each District shall file all questions presented 
or arising for his decision, endorsing thereon, or filing therewith, a 
copy of his decision in each case. And he shall also keep a record 
of each case and each decision in a book provided for that purpose, 
together with a memorandum of each irregularity corrected by him. 
And he shall affix to each item, the number and name of the Lodge, 
or name and Lodge of the member thus corrected, with the date of 
such correction. Said book and papers to be considered as the pro- 
perty of the office, and to be delivered up to this Grand Lodge, or its 
agent, accordingly. 

8. At least once in every six months, he shall present said file of 
questions and decisions, or said book of records and minutes, to the 
Grand Master for review and correction or approval, or for reference 
to this Grand Lodge. 

9. A copy of all complaints or appeals by Lodges shall be furnished 
to the D. D. G. M. complained of or appealed from, and time be allowed 
him for reply, before proceedings shall be instituted against him, or 
his decision be reversed ; and all communications on such decisions 
from this Grand Lodge to her Subordinates, shall be first communi- 
cated to the D. D. G. Master, and by him be made known to the 
Lodge. Provided nevertheless, that when the good of the Order re- 
quires a more prompt and speedy correction of any error, the Grand 
Lodge officers, may, at the same time, also, address themselves di- 
rectly to the Lodge or members immediately concerned. 

10. Any communication placed in the D. D. G. Master's hands for a 
member, or Subordinate Lodge, or for this Grand Lodge or its 
Officers, shall be by him forwarded as addressed, without any further 
delay than may be absolutely necessary to read the same, and cer- 
tify to its genuineness, if need be. 

11. Any D. D. G. M., or other Officer of this Grand Lodge, or any 
Subordinate Lodge or member thereof, neglecting the duties, or vio- 
lating the obligations imposed by these Rules, shall be proceeded 
against as for the violation of any other duty, obligation, law or 
usage of the Order; and on conviction thereof after fair trial, may 
be punished according to the heinousness of his offence, at the dis- 
cretion of the triers having authority in the case. 

28 



326 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



Rules for the Government of Appeal Committees. 

Resolved, That during the trial of any appeal case, no person shall 
be present except the appellant, the Committee appointed by the 
Grand Lodge to try the case, and the Committee sent to represent 
the Lodge from which the appeal is taken. 

Resolved, That a Committee sent by a Lodge, shall, in all cases, 
present to the Committee of the Grand Lodge credentials from said 
Lodge, signed by the officers, with the seal of the Lodge ; and in no 
case, shall the person be so acknowledged, unless accompanied by 
such authority. 

The Grand Lodge Committee shall confine their investigation to 
the fact, that the Lodge has or has not proceeded in conformity with 
the constitution, and in accordance with the established rules and 
usages of the Order, and shall not be permitted to go into an investi- 
gation of the merits of the case. 

§ 5. Institutions and Installations. 

The ceremony of opening new Lodges and Encamp- 
ments, is termed Institution. 

At the appointed time and place of meeting the peti- 
tioners for the Charter, the officer appointed will call 
them to order, read his commission, and exhibit the 
Charter. After which, in proper form and manner, he 
will administer the obligations, and deliver the Charter, 
with such advice and directions as he may deem both 
necessary and suitable. If the members of the new 
Lodge or Encampment are not experienced in the 
management and business of the same, he should enter 
freely into the minute details of their duty, in a well- 
arranged order, and be careful to repeat, or otherwise 
impress specially, what is most important for them to 
do or remember. So much depends on a fair, intelli- 
gent start, that the case is always worth much time and 
labor. And so ignorant are even intelligent (but inex- 



327 

perienced) men, of these matters, that he must not 
suppose them uninterested in what is trifling or com- 
monplace to himself. 

After this instruction to the members generally, 
direct them how to organize properly by electing their 
officers ; and, after installing them, give them their 
special instructions, that they may at once enter on the 
performance of their special duties. It is better far 
that they begin, while the installing officer is present to 
aid, advise, and correct them, than to wait until he 
leaves. 

§ 6. Insubordination and Disorder. 

"It must needs be that offences will come, but wo 
unto that man by whom they come." So in our 
smaller communities and with our brotherhood. Men 
of ill-directed ambition, a factious spirit, or an unre- 
gulated temper, are found among us, and at times, 
seizing some wrong or appearance of injustice on the 
part of those in authority, they succeed in inflaming the 
passions of the majority, and inducing them to refuse 
obedience to the laws or commands of the G. Body or 
its officers. This is always very unwise, and impolitic 
even. The wrong is scarcely ever corrected by wrong- 
doing in return. A respectful remonstrance, protest, or 
appeal is seldom without success, if accompanied by 
manifestations of a love of peace and order, and willing 
obedience. But when passion, angry words, and violent 
means are resorted to on the part of the inferior, the 
superior too often feels that retraction and apology for 
even a wrong mandate would encourage Subordinates to 
rebel against lawful authority on slight pretences, and 
hence a contest ensues, in which (no rational and moral 



328 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



forces being employed) mere numbers and power must 
finally triumph. True, after the contest is ended, and 
much injury clone and ill-feeling deeply planted, the 
wrong may be corrected voluntarily by the superior ; 
but years may not efface the deforming scars that re- 
main as evidences of the conflict. 

When a Lodge or Encampment, therefore, begins to 
manifest a spirit of lawless passion, be prompt in seek- 
ing out the cause. If the cause be just, remove it 
instantly, but fail not sternly to rebuke the ill-temper 
that was leading to wrong measures of resistance, and 
kindly point out the evil consequences to which it would 
have led. But if the alleged cause is a rightful and 
proper law or measure, reason with them feelingly on 
their obligations to obey, and the inevitable results of 
their disobedience. Consider not so much your dignity 
as an officer, as your feelings and duties as an Odd- 
Fellow. A peacemaker is of a far higher grade than a 
conqueror ; and he seldom fails to conquer also, but by 
moral rather than by physical force. Yet do not sacri- 
fice right, nor yield principle to secure peace. But 
exhaust every means of kind persuasion before you re- 
sort to threats and arbitrary commands. And when at 
last you must resort to the power vested in you, do it 
coolly, calmly, and even pityingly. Make no threat 
that is either unreasonable or impracticable, and that 
you will not execute. Utter no command in a passion, 
or that is not clearly just and right, and that you are 
not determined and able to enforce. And do not even 
utter such threats and commands until after you have 
consulted with your superiors, (if time will permit,) and 
obtained their advice and direction in regard to them. 
In short, see that reason and right are on your side in 
all vour words and actions ; and cause the disorderly to 



THEIR COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS. 329 



feel, if possible, that they are in the wrong. " Thrice 
is he armed that hath his quarrel just," and faint and 
brief must be the resistance where conscience and judg- 
ment both side against the rebellious. 

§ 7. Reclaiming Charters. 

When a Subordinate summons its passions to the 
point of open defiance of its superior, against all re- 
monstrance, argument, and warning, but one remedy is 
left, the last resort. Its Charter has been forfeited and 
must be taken away. Its funds and property, raised 
and procured for purposes of benevolence and charity, 
are endangered, and must be secured for the use of the 
minority (if any) who desire rightly to employ them. 
In such case, the Grand Master or Grand Patriarch (or 
his representative) will summon such aid as he deems 
absolutely necessary, and, entering the Lodge-room on 
the stated evening, and at the appointed hour of meeting, 
he will take the chair, place his aids in the other chairs, 
and call the Subordinate Body to order. He will then 
narrate his duty, remind the Chief Officers of their 
solemn pledges to deliver up the Charter, books, &c, 
in circumstances like the present, point out the proper 
mode to obtain redress or be again restored; and take 
possession of the Charter, books, seal, papers, and 
other properties of the Subordinate, in the name and by 
the authority of the Grand Body represented; after 
which he will declare the Subordinate suspended, (or 
dissolved, as the case may be,) until the further plea- 
sure of the Grand Body can be made known. 

A painful duty like this should be performed in none 
other than a kind, gentle, and sorrowing spirit. If the 
resistance made demands force, it should be employed 

28* 



330 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



with promptitude and decision, but not in such a way as 
to exhibit passion and a love of its use. Those members 
who show a disposition to support the law should be 
carefully noted, as also those who appear to be most 
active in contumacy, and reported to the Grand Lodge 
accordingly. 



CHAPTEB XXIII. 

OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES. 

§ 1. How Constituted and Supported. 

This is the highest authority and judicatory of the 
Order. It "possesses original and exclusive jurisdic- 
tion," and is "the source of all true and legitimate 
authority in Odd-Fellowship in the United States of 
America." It is the ultimate tribunal to which all 
matters of general importance to the State, District, 
and Territorial Grand Lodges and Encampments are to 
be referred, and "its decisions thereon shall be final and 
conclusive." And if an expelled Subordinate have de- 
livered up all its effects to the State Grand Body, the 
Grand Lodge of the United States may receive its ap- 
peal without the consent of the State Grand Body, and 
with such consent, if the Subordinate has retained its 
effects. " To it belongs the power to control and regu- 
late the work of the Order, and the several degrees 
belonging thereto; and to fix and determine the cus- 
toms and usages in regard to all things which pertain to 
Odd-Fellowship. It has inherent power to establish 
Lodges or Encampments in foreign countries where no 



THE GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES. 331 



Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment exists." It 
supplies the A. T. P. W. to the Grand Lodge and Grand 
Encampment of British North America, as well as to its 
own jurisdiction. 

It is constituted of its officers, (whether Representa- 
tives or not,) and the Representatives of Grand Bodies 
in jurisdiction, and of its Past Grand Sires. None but 
Representatives are entitled to vote in it, save the 
Grand Sire in case of a tie. Its annual meeting is 
held on the third Monday in September, usually in 
Baltimore, and generally continues during the week. 

The revenue of the Grand Lodge of the United States 
is as follows : — 1st. Fees for Charters to Grand and 
Subordinate Lodges and Encampments, Thirty Dollars 
each. 2d. Ten per cent, on the receipts of Subordi- 
nates, (where there is no State Grand Body.) 3d. Fifty 
dollars from each Grand Body in jurisdiction for each 
representative to which it may be entitled. 4th. Profits 
on diplomas, odes, cards, and charge and lecture books, 
of which it has the exclusive sale. 

§ 2. Members, Representatives, and Officers. 

Past Grand Sires retain their seats in the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, but are not permitted to 
vote. 

The officers, if not Representatives, are also not per- 
mitted to vote, except the Grand Sire, who has a casting 
vote in case of a tie on any other question than the 
election of officers. They are paid their travelling ex- 
pences for attending the sessions of the Grand Lodge. 

The Representative of any Sovereign Jurisdiction 
recognized by the Grand Lodge of the United States, 
(as of British North America,) is admitted on the floor, 



332 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



and granted a right to deliberate and speak therein, but 
not to vote. 

The Representatives proper must be in good standing 
in a Subordinate Lodge and Encampment, must be of 
the R. P. Degree, must reside within the jurisdiction re- 
presented, and must be a P. G. in the Grand Lodge of 
such jurisdiction. Each one will be furnished by the 
G. Recording Secretary with a copy of the Constitution, 
Laws, and Rules of Order of the Grand Lodge of the 
United States. He receives as compensation five cents 
per mile travelled, (nearest route,) and three dollars per 
day during attendance on the sessions. The R.'W. G. 
Representatives are divided into two classes, so that one 
half go out of office every year. 

Any P. G. in good standing, and of the R. P. Degree, 
is eligible to nomination for office in the Grand Lodge 
of the United States, by the Representatives of a Grand 
Body, except for the offices of Grand Sire and Deputy 
Grand Sire, the candidates for which must also be Past 
Grand Masters. 

• § 3. Appointed Officers. 

These are a Worthy Grand Messenger, R. "W. Grand 
Chaplain, R. W. Grand Guardian, and R. W. Grand 
Marshal, who are appointed with the consent and ap- 
proval of the Grand Lodge, by the Grand Sire at his 
installation, and hold office two years, unless removed 
by him for cause. He also appoints District Deputy 
Grand Sires for each State, District, and Territory in 
jurisdiction, annually, subject to revocation in like 
manner, during the recess. 

1. The W. Grand Messenger prepares the room for 
the meetings of the Grand Lodge, attends its sessions, 



THE GRAND LODGE OE THE UNITED STATES. 333 



provides the Representatives with needed documents, 
books, stationery, &c., delivers messages for members 
and officers, keeps in order the office of the R. W. Grand 
Secretary, and executes his orders. For these services 
the Grand Lodge pays him a suitable salary. 

2. The R. W. Grand Chaplain opens and closes 
the Grand Lodge with prayer to the Supreme Ruler of 
the Universe. 

3. The R. W. Grand Guardian guards the door of 
the Grand Lodge-room, proves every brother before 
admission, prevents the entrance of persons not duly 
qualified, and permits none to retire without the P. W. 

4. The R. W. Grand Marshal marshals the Grand 
Lodge of the United States in processions and visita- 
tions, and makes all necessary arrangements for the 
comfort and accommodation of visitors and members. 

5. R. W. District Deputy Grand Sires act for 
the Grand Sire, and by his direction execute the laws 
and mandates of the Grand Lodge of the United States 
in their respective Districts. They are agents of the 
Grand Lodge under the instructions of the Grand Sire, 
and are to obey his instructions in all he is commanded 
to perform for the good of the Order. They are agents 
also of the Grand Secretary, and are to obey his special 
instructions in matters pertaining to his office. Each 
has general supervision in his District over all Subor- 
dinates working under charters granted by the Grand 
Lodge of the United States. They are not to interfere 
with the State Grand Lodges or Encampments, and 
must report their acts and doings semiannually to the 
Grand Sire. 

A D. D. G. Sire must be in good standing in his 
Subordinate Lodge and Encampment, have attained 
the rank of P. G. and the degree of R. P., and, in States 



334 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



where there is a Grand Encampment, he must also be a 
member of the same. 



§ 4. Elective Officers. 

These are the Most Worthy Grand Sire, the R. W. 
Deputy Grand Sire, R. W. Grand Recording Secretary, 
R. W. Grand Corresponding Secretary, and R. W. 
Grand Treasurer, who are elected biennially, (except 
the G. C. Secretary, who serves during the pleasure of 
the Grand Lodge,) and are installed at the stated meet- 
ing of the succeeding year, except in elections to fill 
vacancies. The elections take place on the second day 
of the annual session, commencing with that of Grand 
Sire, and a majority of all the votes cast (counting 
blank ballots) is necessary to a choice. 

1. The R. W. Grand Treasurer shall keep the 
moneys of the Grand Lodge, pay all orders drawn on 
him by the Grand Sire, attested by the Grand Secre- 
tary under seal of the Grand Lodge. He shall lay 
before the Grand Lodge, at its annual meeting, a full 
and correct statement of his accounts. 

2. The R. W. Grand Corresponding Secretary 
shall carry on the correspondence of the Grand Lodge, 
under its direction or that of the Grand Sire, and lay a 
Report and abstract of the same before the Grand 
Lodge at its annual session. He shall perform such 
other duties appertaining to his office as may be required 
by the Grand Lodge, and pay over to the G. Recording 
Secretary all moneys paid him for the Grand Lodge. 

3. The R. W. Grand Recording Secretary, in 
addition to the duties usual to the office of Grand Secre- 
taries generally, shall report to the Grand Lodge, at 
each annual communication, a tabular abstract of the 



THE GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES. 335 



returns received from the several Grand and Subordi- 
nate Bodies under jurisdiction, and a statement of those 
which have failed to report ; and he shall distribute, as 
soon as possible, copies of the Proceedings of the Grand 
Lodge, to each member one copy; to each Subordinate 
under immediate jurisdiction, one copy; and to each 
Grand Body twice as many copies as it has Subordi- 
nates in jurisdiction. He is authorized to print two 
hundred copies of his annual report for the use of 
members at the annual session. And he must give 
bond in the sum of two thousand dollars, to be approved 
by the Grand Sire, for the faithful discharge of his 
duties ; and he receives a stated salary for their per- 
formance. 

Note. — The combined duties of both Secretaryships 
have been, and yet are discharged by J. L. Ridgely, 
Esq., of Baltimore, to whose efficiency and zeal the 
Order is much indebted for its success and prosperity 
for many years past. 

4. The R. W. Deputy Grand Sire opens and closes 
all meetings of the Grand Lodge ; examines the Repre- 
sentatives as to their qualifications previous to taking 
their seats, and reports to the Grand Sire ; supports 
the Grand Sire by his advice and assistance, and pre- 
sides in his absence ; and in case of the death, disquali- 
fication, or refusal to serve of that officer, he performs 
his duties until the next stated meeting. 

5. The M. W. Grand Sire, in addition to the duties 
common to the chief executive and presiding officer of a 
Grand Body, selects and forwards by the Grand Repre- 
sentatives, or other safe agencies, the A. T. P. W. to 
all parties entitled to it, so that the same shall go into 
operation on the first day of January in each year. 
He is authorized to fill vacancies in the Grand Offices, 



336 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



and to exercise a general 
superintendence over the 
interests of the Order, 
during the recess of the 
Grand Lodge. He cannot 
hold any elective office in 
any State Grand Body. 
He may print two hundred 
copies of his annual report 
to the Grand Lodge, for 
the use of its members at 
the stated session. 
6. The Past Grand Sires are not officers of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, but are entitled to seats there- 
in during life, though not permitted to vote, and only al- 
lowed to speak in its sessions by express permission. 




§ 5. Regalia and Jewels. 

''Regalia for Grand Representatives shall be a 
collar of purple velvet, not more than four inches in 
width, with a roll of scarlet velvet on the upper edge, 
around the neck. The trimmings to be of yellow metal; 
the collar to be united in front with three links, from 
which may be suspended such medal or medals as the 
member may be entitled to wear. 

"P. G. Representatives, and the Officers and Past 
Officers of the Grand Lodge of the United States, to 
wear the regalia above described. 

" The Jewel of the Grand Sire, and Past Grand 
Sire, shall be a medal three inches in diameter, of 
yellow metal, on one side of which shall be the coat-of- 
arms of the United States, surrounded by an ornament 
edging of silver. 



OF MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 337 



" Representatives and Past Representatives shall be 
entitled to wear medals of the size and style above, 
with the coat-of-arms of the State represented."* — Di- 
gest, p. 74; By-Laws of Q. L. U. S., Article 25. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

OF MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

In this Chapter we propose to consider a few items 
which could not well be included in any of the fore- 
going ; and to place in a connected view some which 
were necessarily presented in a disconnected form in 
the preceding portions of the Manual. 

§ 1. Diplomas and Cards. 

These can be lawfully issued only by the Grand 
Lodge of the United States. Wherefore all engraved 
Certificates of membership, designed to supersede or 
occupy the place of the Diploma of said Grand Lodge, 
are unauthorized, and it is illegal for any officer of our 
Lodges or Encampments to sign the same, or affix 
thereto the seal of the body of which he is a member. 
So, also, all cards not emanating from the Grand Lodge 
of the United States, and signed by its Grand Secre- 
tary, are illegal and void. In times of trouble, for 
greater security, some Grand Lodges and Grand En- 
campments have ordered them to be countersigned by 
their Grand Secretary or Grand Scribe. 

29 



33S THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Diplomas are of two kinds — 1st, to members of any 
Lodge or Encampment, designed for general use, and 
sold at a moderate price ; 2d, to members of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, bestowed as a testimony 
of merit. Both are designed to be framed as an orna- 
ment. They may be obtained from the . Grand Secre- 
taries generally, or from D. D. G. Sires in each State 
or Territory. 

Cards are of three kinds — -1st, Travelling or Visiting, 
given to members who wish to retain their membership 
in their Lodge or Encampment, while travelling or 
residing abroad ; 2d, Final or Withdrawal, given to 
brethren who wish to sever their membership in a Lodge 
or Encampment for the purpose of uniting with another ; 
and, 3d, a Card granted by a vote of the Lodge to the 
wife or widow of a member, to secure to her the aid of 
the Order while travelling. This latter emanates from 
the Lodge only, and is generally written : the others 
are engraved, signed by the Secretary of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, and bear the seal and sig- 
natures of the officers of the Subordinate. All must be 
signed on the margin by the bearer, if practicable, 
before it is delivered to him or her, as the case may 
be. 

§ 2. Pass Words. 

Besides the several Pass Words imparted with the 
Degrees, there are two other kinds, designed to preserve 
Lodges and Encampments from imposture — 1st, a term 
word, which is given or sent by the G. Master or G. 
Patriarch, through the G. Secretary or G. Scribe, to 
the installing officers, and is imparted in each Lodge 
and Encampment, at the commencement of each term ; 



OF MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 339 



and, 2d, the annual or T. P. W., which is given or sent 
by the Grand Sire to the State Grand Bodies, and by 
them sent to the installing officers, to be imparted only 
to the two highest elective officers of each Lodge and 
Encampment, and by them to members who receive 
Cards, and design to travel beyond the State or Ter- 
ritory. 

§ 3. Examination of Visitors* 

When a brother holding a Visiting or Final Card 
desires to visit a Lodge or Encampment in another 
jurisdiction, he will send his Card to the N. G. or C. P. 
by the Guardian or Sentinel. The Presiding Officer 
will appoint a Committee to examine the applicant, one 
of which Committee must be in possession of the T. P. W. 
This Committee will then proceed to the anteroom with 
the Card, and there examine the applicant. First, they 
will obtain his signature, which they will compare with 
that on the margin of his Card. Second, they will 
examine him in the initiatory grade. If correct in 
these, then the Committee-man having the T. P. W. 
will examine him in that, according to the mode laid 
down, and, in a low tone of voice, so as not to be over- 
heard by those not in possession of the word. All being 
satisfactory, they will then hand him a ivhite apron, 
the regalia of the initiatory grade. If he asks to wear 
a regalia of a higher grade, they will proceed to exa- 
mine him in the degrees whose regalia he claims a right 
to wear, up to the Fifth Degree, or that of a Past 
Grand.* Having found the applicant correct, the 

* We cannot but consider the permission of the Grand Lodge of 
the United States to wear the Encampment colors and jewels in a 



340 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Chairman of the Committee will then announce them- 
selves, and enter. The Committee and visitor will 
address the Chairs properly, when the Chairman will 
introduce in due form the visitor, who will be welcomed 
by the N". G. and conducted to a comfortable seat in an 
honorable position by the Committee : after which his 
Card will be returned to him. 

But if he prove an impostor beyond doubt, not only 
should the Card be detained, but active measures taken 
to put neighboring Lodges on their guard, and to ascer- 
tain from the Lodge issuing the Card who is its lawful 
owner. The too common practice of not returning 
Visiting Cards after they have expired, should be 
broken up. They may fall into hands that would not 
hesitate to alter their dates, and attempt imposition on 
the Order. If the applicant is only doubted, strict 
watchfulness is necessary to resolve those doubts, lest 
great evil be done to the Order, or injury to the feelings 
of a worthy but inexperienced brother. 

Subordinate Lodge, as inconsistent with the safety of our mysteries, 
and with the circumstances of our Lodges generally. If allowed to 
wear it unexamined, he may not be entitled to it, and by the con- 
fidence gained thereby, from some stranger Patriarch, improper 
revelations may ensue. If he may be examined in the Encampment 
degrees, then must a R. P. D. member be placed on the Committee 

if the N. G. knows who is one, and he is present ! But the 

above directions keep strictly within the limits of knowledge possessed 
by the Lodge, and within the limits of her authority also. For the 
Officers of the Lodge are to admit no one who is not clothed in proper 
regalia; and therefore if the visitor asks for regalia for the Fifth 
Degree, or of a P. Gr., he invites examination accordingly, and should 
either submit to it or forego his claim. 



PART THIRD. 



CHAPTER I. 

PUBLIC PROCESSIONS. 



1. No Lodge or Encampment can appear in public 
with its regalia and emblems, at any procession, ball, 
&c, without the consent of its Grand Lodge or Grand 
Encampment, previously obtained, (Digest, p. 31.) 
Generally, the G. M. and G. P. are invested with dis- 
cretionary power to grant such permission, during the 
recess of the bodies over which they preside. 

2. The Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge has a 
supervisory power over all such processions within the 
limits of its jurisdiction. It is his duty to see that the 
brethren are properly clothed and marshalled in due 
order, and also that the banners and devices are appro- 
priate and adapted to public exhibition. He is the 
special Marshal of the Grand Lodge, and his station is 
at its head, when in line ; but the Chief Marshal of the 
procession is to look to him for counsel and direction. 

3. In all processions, the post of honor is the rear. 
The Lodges therefore march in the inverse order of 
their seniority, the youngest first: the Encampments 

29* 341 



342 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



follow in the same order : then the Grand Encampment : 
finally the Grand Lodge. 

4. Each Lodge will be marshalled in the following 
order : — 

0. G. with drawn sword, 

S. Supporters, with white rods. 

Members of the Initiatory Degree. 

Members of the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth 

Degrees respectively, in the order of juniority. 

Conductor and Wardens. 

Treasurer and Secretaries. 

V. G. and Supporters. 

N. Gr. and Supporters. 

Past Grands in the order of juniority. 

1. G. with drawn sword. 

5. Each Encampment will be marshalled in the fol- 
lowing order : — 

0. S. with drawn sword. 

Members of Patriarchal, G. R. and R. P. Degrees respectively, 
in the order of juniority. 

Treasurer and Scribe. 

Junior and Senior Warden. 

High Priest, supported by G. of T. 

Chief Patriarch, supported by two P. C. Patriarchs. 

Past Chief Patriarchs. 

1. S. with drawn sword. 

6. The members and officers of Grand Lodges and 
Encampments are arranged in procession on the same 
principles as the above. 

7. On reaching its place of destination, the pro- 
cession will halt and open to the right and left, so as to 
allow the Grand Officers and Grand Lodge, &c. to pass 
through, and thus enter in reversed order. 

8. The order of funeral processions is the same, 



PUBLIC PROCESSIONS. 343 



except that the I. G. walks next before the Treasurer 
and Secretaries, "bearing the regalia and insignia 
indicative of the rank in the Order of the deceased 
brother;" and the wands and other insignia are bound 
with black crape, in token of mourning. If there be a 
Chaplain, he will take his place between the V. G. and 
N. G., supported by the Warden and Conductor. 



CHAPTER II. 

CEREMONY OF LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF AN ODD- 
FELLOWS' HALL. 

The Grand Lodge Officers and Brethren having assembled in the 
Lodge-room, or some appropriate place adjacent to the new build- 
ing, will proceed in procession in due form to the place of the 
ceremony, passing three times around it, if the site is convenient. 
The G. M. and assistants will then take their place upon a raised 
platform. When no Grand Officer is present, the ceremony may 
be performed by the N. G., or a P. G. appointed by him for the 
purpose. 

Cr. M. We have assembled to-day, my brethren, 
upon an interesting and important occasion. Another 
temple of our Order is to be raised, and we are here to 
lay its corner-stone, to proclaim before the world the 
object to which it is to be dedicated, and to invoke the 
Divine blessing upon the undertaking. Let us feel 
deeply the solemnity of the occasion. By this act we 
pledge ourselves, before God and man, not only to com- 
plete this edifice and keep it sacred to the purposes of 
the Order, but to practice truly and conscientiously 
within its walls the virtues which we, as Odd-Fellows, 



344 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



profess to follow and illustrate. The work now com- 
menced must be achieved by patient industry and per- 
severance, and also by pure and beautiful lives led by 
those who beneath this roof shall hear the lessons of 
wisdom and humanity. Labor earnestly, brethren, in 
the work of the Order : practice, both before the eyes 
of men and in secret, constantly, its beneficent prin- 
ciples ; for if you do not, the memory of this day will 
rise in testimony against you, and this stone will ever 
rest beneath your feet, a silent but living witness of 
your dereliction. Let us now unite with our R. W. Gr. 
Chaplain in soliciting the Divine blessing on the work 
in which we are engaged. 

Gr. 0. We beseech thee, Heavenly Father, to look 
down upon us in mercy and loving-kindness. Guide 
our steps, direct our hands, purify our hearts, and ele- 
vate our thoughts, so that our labor may be fit for thy 
pure eyes to look upon. And to thee shall be the glory 
and praise forever. Amen. 

It. So may it be ! 

TJie G. S. will then read the record to be deposited in the stone, 
with a list of the documents, &c. accompanying it. The G. M. 
will descend to the stone, receive from the Architect the box, place 
it in the cavity of the stone, and adjust the lid. The stone will 
then be fitted accurately in its place at or near the JSf. E. angle of 
the building. 

Gr. M. [Pouring a libation of water on the stone.) In 
Friendship I lay this stone, earnestly praying, that while 
it retains its place among its fellows in the firm wall, the 
brethren who assemble here may be as firmly bound 
together in the bonds of Friendship, cordial and sin- 
cere ! 

B. So may it be ! 

Gr. M. [Strewing flowers.) In Love I lay this stone, 



LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A HALL. 345 



earnestly praying that as it underlies and supports the 
edifice, so may Love lie at the bottom of our hearts, 
and support the whole superstructure of our lives. 

R. So may it be ! 

Gr. M. (Strewing wheat.) In Truth I lay this stone, 
earnestly praying that unblemished Truth and Honor 
may ever reign here supreme, and govern all that is 
here said and done. 

R. So may it be ! 

Gr. M. (Giving three blows of the gavel upon the 
stone.) In the name of Benevolence and Charity I lay 
this stone. And may God in his mercy grant that it 
may never be removed so long as Benevolence and 
Charity are dear to the hearts of men ! 

R. So may it be ! 

The Architect will then deliver a trowel with mortar to the G. M., 
who shall spread it upon the corner-stone, and fix thereon a cor- 
responding stone. 

Gr. M. As this cement binds together the stones 
of the wall, so may the cement of brotherly affection 
bind us together during all the days of our lives here 
below ; and so may the cement of the Divine Love, in 
our Father's own good time, unite us as living stones in 
the Temple above, the " house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens !" 

R. So may it be ! 

The G. M. will return to his place upon the platform, ivhenpr'O- 
clamation will be made by the D. G. M. 

D. Gr. M. By direction of the M. W. G. M., I declare 
this corner-stone duly laid according to regular and 
ancient form ; and the building that is to rise upon it 
devoted to the principles and work of Odd-Fellowship. 



346 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



(r. 0. Almighty and All-merciful Architect of Heaven 
and Earth, who spake, and it was done ; who commanded, 
and it stood fast ; speak, we pray Thee, the word of en- 
couragement, by thy Spirit, to animate and strengthen 
those who shall build upon this corner-stone a Temple 
of Humanity, that they may trust in Thee. And com- 
mand, we beseech Thee, the resources of Thy servants, 
that their strength and spirit fail not until they complete 
this building and dedicate it, with their lives, to the 
practice of Friendship, the works of Love, and the word 
of Truth. May it rise from its foundation wise in 
provisions, strong in adjustments, and beautiful in pro- 
portion, a Temple meet for an habitation of Thy Spirit, 
which is Love, and Thy word, which is Truth: a fit 
home for a brotherhood of Friends, whose works are 
works of Benevolence and Charity. 

Bless, God of Grace, the laborers hereon, with 
Thy protection, that they may work in safety and re- 
pose in peace ; with thy Spirit, that they may labor 
together in harmony and love ; with thy salvation, that, 
having wrought together on earth, they may hereafter 
rest together in the smiles of Thy favor forever. 

And bless, Heavenly Father, our wide-spread fra- 
ternity everywhere, with Thy wisdom to guide, Thy 
power to aid, and Thy love to bless their works to their 
own edification and the welfare of our race. Build up 
each member thereof on that great Foundation — that 
corner-stone elect and precious — which Thou hast laid 
in Zion, and make him a blessing and a praise in Thy 
sight for evermore. Graciously and tenderly be with 
the poor and needy, the stranger and him who has none 
to help ; with the widow, whose God Thou art ; and 
with the orphan, to whom Thou art especially a Father. 
Bless all classes and conditions of men, according to 



LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A HALL. 347 



tbeir various wants and the abundance of Thy goodness 
and mercy. 

Be pleased, our Father, to remember us indi- 
vidually in much mercy. Forgive our sins; redeem 
us from iniquity ; make us zealous and fruitful in good 
works ; and finally save us and the world with an ever- 
lasting salvation, that we may ascribe unto Thee all 
praise and blessing, honor and glory, in a day without 
night, and world without end. Amen. 

G. M. Brethren of ... . the solemn ceremonies of 
the occasion are concluded, and we have done our work. 
The rest remains with you. To you we leave it, in the 
fullest confidence that it will be completed, and our 
hopes fulfilled. Work faithfully in accordance with the 
principles of our beloved Order, and your success is 
certain. When next the authorities of the Order visit 
you, may it be beneath the roof of a temple worthy of 
you, worthy of them, and worthy of the beneficent 
principles which it is our covenanted duty to promulgate 
and establish. 

6r. O. The Lord bless you and keep you ; the Lord 
make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto 
you; the Lord lift up his fatherly countenance upon 
you, and give you peace. Amen. 



348 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



CHAPTER HI. 

CEREMONY OF LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A CHURCH, 
ACADEMY, OR OTHER PUBLIC EDIFICE. 

The following form is provided for occasions in which, as not 
unfrequently happens, the Order is invited to assist in laying the 
comer-stone of a public building. The procession, &c. are the 
same as in the previous Chapter, but the ceremonial must of 
necessity differ in some respects. As it will generally be per 
formed by individual Lodges, the Officers of such Lodges are 
designated. The uses of the building differing according to 
circumstances, some latitude must be allowed to the iV. G. and 
Chaplain in varying the language oftJie ritual accordingly. 

W. Gf. Brethren, we are here assembled to-day, in 
accordance with the invitation of a body of our fellow- 
citizens, to assist them in laying the corner-stone of 
this edifice with solemn ceremonies, and thereby im- 
pressively devoting it to the purposes to which it is to 
be kept sacred. And we are here cheerfully and readily, 
because in every good work our Order claims an interest 
and participation. Whatever tends to elevate the cha- 
racter of man, to render him wiser, better, or happier, 
we cannot regard with indifference. Our sole object 
being the improvement and elevation of humanity, we 
have a cordial sympathy with all movements tending 
toward the same blessed end. While holding firmly 
and faithfully to our beloved Order, as one of the means 
in the hand of Providence for the attainment of this 
great object, we are still happy to be enabled thus to 
encourage, by our presence and by the use of our ritual, 
all who are engaged in other enterprises conceived in 



LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A CHURCH, ETC. 349 



the same view. Thus it is, that wherever pious hearts 
seek to raise an altar of praise to the Father of spirits, 
be their denomination what it may ; wherever the phi- 
lanthropic seek to found an institution of Benevolence 
and Charity ; wherever the public-spirited seek to ele- 
vate a temple to science and learning, there the true 
Odd-Fellow rejoices to be aiding and assisting with all 
the means in his power : for to all these enterprises he 
wishes a hearty God-speed. 

Friends and fellow-citizens : The duty you have thus 
honored us by imposing upon us, is one that we perform 
most gladly, for the reasons just mentioned. Our 
charity is not, as has falsely been asserted, narrow and 
restricted In the recesses of our mystic temple, we 
are taught the duty of universal philanthropy and of an 
all-embracing charity. Our hearts are therefore with 
you, because they are with the objects you have in view, 
and with the sentiments by which you are actuated. 
We desire to feel and to have you all feel that we are 
co-workers with you for the elevation and blessing of 
mankind, as brethren of the same great family. Our 
methods may be peculiar, and to some they may appear 
strange ; but we ask to be judged with a righteous 
judgment, and not by outward appearance alone. To' 
us these forms have a deep and beautiful significance, 
and they will present the same to you, if you contem- 
plate them thoughtfully and without the spirit of pre- 
judice. Give us, then, your friendly attention, while 
we proceed in our appointed labor. 

C. Be with us, we pray thee, God, in this our 
labor of love. Direct all our sayings and doings, ani- 
mate us by thy Spirit, and guide us by thy most holy 
power. Correct all that is amiss in us, and lead us 
according to thy Divine will, so that all our works may 

30 



350 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



redound to thy praise and the good of our brethren of 
mankind. Amen. 

The documents placed in the stone will then he read, after which 
theN. G. and C. will descend to the stone, and assist in depositing 
it in its place at the N. E. angle of the building. They will be 
attended by three brethren bearing the appropriate vessels. 

N. Gr. {Pouring water.) In the name of Friendship 
I lay this stone, praying that true Friendship may be 
spread abroad among men, until all strife and con- 
tention shall be lost in a divine harmony and peace. 

O. May God in his mercy so grant it. Amen. 

iV. Gr. (Strewing flowers.) In the name of Love I lay 
this stone, praying that the spirit of Love may be shed 
abroad in all hearts, until all men shall know each other 
as children of the one Father of the spirits of all flesh. 

C. May God in his mercy so grant it. Amen. 

JV. Gr. (Streiving wheat.) In the name of Truth I lay 
this stone, praying that Truth and Right may be known 
and established everywhere, and that as they rest firmly 
upon the Rock of Ages, so the building here to be 
raised may rest firmly upon this stone, and the storms 
of time shall not prevail against it. 

O. May God in his mercy so grant it. Amen. 

N. Gr. (Griving three blows with the gavel.) In the 
name of Benevolence and Charity, as professed uni- 
versally by the Order of Odd-Fellows, I lay this stone, 
and fix it in the solid wall, whence may it be no more 
removed forever. 

O. Accept, Almighty Father, the work of our 
hands and the offering of our hearts. Bless and con- 
secrate this edifice to its noble and praiseworthy pur- 
poses. Prosper those who are engaged in this enterprise, 
and imbue them with the competency of thy grace. 
Protect, by thy Divine power, those who shall here 



LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A CH"KCH, ETC. 351 



labor, that they suffer not in life or limb. Let all 
herein concerned feel that without thee, the builders 
build in vain ; and teach them to look to thee, from 
whom alone must their help come. Bless, we entreat 
thee, our beloved Order, and overrule all its works to 
thy praise and glory. Be with the sick, the afflicted, 
the needy, the widow, and the fatherless, in the tender- 
ness of thy mercy. Bless, we beseech thee,, all kinds 
and conditions of men, and bring the ends of the earth 
to a knowledge of thee. Forgive our sins, blot out our 
transgressions, keep us from falling, and finally receive 
us into that great company that no tongue can number, 
to the end that to thee only we may ascribe honor and 
glory and power, now and forever. Amen. 

The Officers will then return to the platform. 

N. 6r. We have thus, my friends, completed our task, 
and return your building into your hands. So far as 
we could, we have solemnly initiated your good work. 
Carry it on in the spirit in which you have commenced 
it, and may the Father of mercies prosper you in it, 
and bless it with a speedy completion. 

The Oration provided for the occasion will now be in place, after 
which the brethren will retire as they came. 



352 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

FORM OF DEDICATION OF AN ODD-FELLOWS' HALL OR 
LODGE-ROOM. 

TMs ceremony may be performed in presence of a general audience, 
or in a Lodge-room, with closed doors. If others than members 
are present, the honors will be omitted, and the Grand Officers 
will enter in due procession, and take their appropriate seats. 
If admission is restricted to members of the Order, a Lodge will 
first be opened in due form, and Guardians stationed at the doors. 
The Grand Lodge Officers, properly clothed, will form in an- 
other apartment, and approach the outer door, at which the G 
Herald will give the usual alarm. 

0. G-. Who comes there ? 

a. H. The M. W. G. M. and other Officers of the 
K. W. Grand Lodge of , who desire to be ad- 
mitted, in the name of F., L., and T., for the purpose 
of dedicating this Hall to the uses of the I. 0. of 0. F., 
and the diffusion of the principles of Benevolence and 
Charity. 

0. 6r. Enter, in the name of F., L., and T. 

The same dialogue will occur at the inner door, with the I. G., 
after which the Grand Lodge Officers will enter the room, and 
take their respective seats, the three brethen appointed as Heralds 
having seats in front of the G. M., when the grand honors will 
be given. The building will then be delivered to the G. M. as 
follows, by the N. G., [or Chairman of the Building Committee,) 
who deposits the keys of the same upon the pedestal. 

N. Gf. M. W. G. M., the work in which we have 
Leen engaged is now completed, and our temple is at 
last ready to shelter us within its walls. But we first 
desire that you should set it apart for its sacred uses, 
and dedicate it to the purposes of Benevolence and 



DEDICATION OF AN ODD-FELLOWS HALL. 35;5 



Charity, according to the solemn rites of our Order ; 
and we therefore deliver it into your hands. 

G-. M. Brethren, I congratulate you upon the com- 
pletion of this beautiful edifice, which we are about to 
dedicate to those cardinal virtues which should adorn 
and elevate humanity, and whose names we have se- 
lected as the motto and watchword of our beloved 
Order. Beneath this roof, you are to encourage one 
another in the duties of benevolence and charity ; 
before this altar the good works of F., L., and T. are 
ever to be presented as the only acceptable sacrifice. 
From hence, as from a perennial fountain, are to flow 
the gentle streams of true Friendship, to gladden and 
make green many waste places. In this quiet retreat 
are to be cultivated those flowers that Love unfeigned 
shall scatter, on the rugged pathway of life, under many 
bleeding feet. Here is to be sown the good seed of 
Truth in many hearts, to spring up and yield its hundred- 
fold harvest. It is, therefore, not so much this temple 
made with hands that should occupy our attention at 
present, as the great principles that are here to be 
disseminated. I hope and trust, brethren, that our 
united efforts, with those of our brethren throughout the 
globe, may lead to the raising and adorning of a still 
nobler Temple, which shall be consecrated by the ap- 
proval of the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe, 
without the invocation of whose blessing no work should 
be undertaken. 

G-. O. Almighty God, the Maker of all worlds ! whom 
we are taught in the abounding mercy of the later 
dispensation to approach more nearly, and call by the 
tender name, Father ! we would humbly draw near and 
beg thy blessing on the work in which we are engaged. 
Whatever is amiss in us, do thou make right by thy 

30* 



354 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Divine power, and in all things do thou overrule our 
thoughts and deeds to thy greater glory and the good 
of our fellowmen. Amen. 

Psalm cxxii. 

G. M. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the 
house of the Lord ! 

R. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, Jerusalem ! 

G. 31. Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity in itself. 

R. Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the 
testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. 

G. M. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the 
house of David. 

R. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem ; they shall prosper that love 
thee. 

G. 31. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy 
palaces. 

R. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace 
be within thee ! 

G. 31. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek thy 
good. 

R. So may it be. 

The Lodge being called up, the brethren will unite in singing the 
Ode, " Brethren of our Friendly Order," &c. The Heralds 
will then present themselves before the G. M., and receive from 
him, the first, a goblet of pure water, the second, a vase of fresh 
flowers, and the third, a cup filled with wheat, after which they 
will take their stations around the altar in the centre of the Lodge- 
room, on which rest the Holy Bible and the Charter of the Lodge. 

Cr. M. The brethren will be attentive while our 
Heralds dedicate this Hall, with solemn ceremonies, to 
the principles and uses of our honorable Order. Heralds, 
you will proceed in the performance of your duties. 

First Herald. In the name of Friendship, as pure, 
refreshing, and life-giving as this water, (sprinkling it,) 
I dedicate this Hall to the practice of that ennobling 
virtue, which, uniting men as brethren, teaches them to 



DEDICATION OF AN ODD-FELLOWS HALL. 355 



suslain that relation at all times, each in his turn 
helping and helped, blessing and blessed. 

Gr. M. Remember ever, brethren, that sweet as the 
gushing fountain to the weary pilgrim on the parched 
and sandy desert, is the smile of a friend to the wan- 
derer in life's thorny wilderness. 

Gr. 0. Grant, Heavenly Father, that we may each 
so live that the spiritual temple in our hearts shall be 
also sprinkled with the pure water of the River of Life, 
the streams whereof make glad the City of our God. 
Amen. 

Response hy the Brethren. So may it be. 

Second Herald. In the name of Love, which, like 
these flowers, (strewing them,) fills the common air 
with fragrance, and beautifies all on which it falls, I 
dedicate this Hall to the practice of that highest virtue, 
which is in itself the fulfilling of the law, teaching us to 
visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction, to 
bind up the broken heart, and to let the oppressed go 
free. 

Gr.M. Remember ever, brethren, that as the fra- 
grance of the opening blossoms restores the vigor of 
the exhausted body, so do the gentle ministrations of 
love recall life and strength to the fainting spirit. 

Gr. C. Grant, Heavenly Father, that we may all 
so direct our walk and conversation as to hasten the 
coming of the happy day when the wilderness of man's 
nature shall blossom as the rose, so that on our dying 
beds, angel hands may scatter blossoms from the Tree 
of Life. Amen. 

R. So may it be. 

Third Herald. (Scattering wheat.) In the name of 
Truth, which, like the grain sown broadcast on the 
earth, springs up again an hundredfold, for future use 



356 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



and blessing, I dedicate this Hall to the practice of 
that most ennobling virtue which lies at the foundation 
of all other virtues, and which, devoid of guile and 
hypocrisy, teaches us sincerity and plain-dealing in all 
our communications, and earnestness in the inculcation 
of whatever is good and true. 

Gr. M. Remember ever, brethren, that as this grain 
furnishes the staff of the bodily life, so does Truth the 
staff of the Spiritual life, without which the inward man 
pines and perishes. 

Q. G. Grant, Heavenly Father, that the seeds of 
Truth that are here sown may fall only upon good ground, 
springing up and bearing fruit unto life eternal. Amen. 

R. So may it be. 

First Herald. May we be enabled to practice these 
most noble virtues, bound in the threefold links of the 
golden chain of brotherly affection, and may we be 
always actuated by the blessed spirit of that Friend- 
ship that speaks the Truth in Love. 

6r. M. " Let brotherly love continue !" As brothers, 
may we together cultivate all those virtues that adorn 
humanity: as brothers, may we pass through the journey 
of life ; and as brothers enter, in fraternal embrace, the 
dark valley of the shadow of death. 

Gr. C. And may brotherly love continue beyond the 
tomb! When He who sent us shall have called us 
home to render our final account, may we all meet as 
brothers in that house not made with hands, in that 
celestial Lodge, whose members no tongue can number, 
and the Master of which is the Father of the spirits of 
all flesh. 

First Herald. In the name of the Great Creator of 
the Universe, unto whom all hearts belong, and whose 
All-seeing Eye watches over every action, we dedicate 



DEDICATION OF AN ODD-FELLOW S HALL. 357 



this Hall to the purposes of Benevolence and Cha- 
rity. 

Second Herald. In the name of the Giver of every 
good gift, to whom we are day by day indebted for all 
that crowns our life with blessing, and who has given 
us for our guide the Golden Rule, we dedicate this Hall 
to the visitation of the sick and the relief of the dis- 
tressed. 

Third Herald. In the name of the Heavenly Father, 
without whom not a sparrow falls to the ground, and 
who has promised us that in the day of sore trial He will 
be the Father of the fatherless, and the widow's God, 
we dedicate this Hall to the burial of the dead, the 
relief of the widow, and the education of the orphan. 

6r. C. We humbly beseech thee, God, to bless the 
work in which we have now been engaged. Let the 
lessons we have received sink deep into our hearts, so 
that this shall have been to us no idle ceremony, but a 
means of edification in righteousness, and truth, and 
humanity. May we all leave this place with our good 
resolutions strengthened, our charities enlarged, and 
our hearts expanded in all-embracing love toward our 
brethren of every tongue and clime. Bless, Heavenly 
Father, the Order of which we are members. Aid us 
in the good work of Benevolence and Charity, to which 
we are pledged, and give direction and success to our 
efforts. Bless this edifice in the promotion of the good 
objects to which it has this day been set apart. Let 
thy protecting care be over the brethren who here shall 
meet together. Keep their feet upon the right path, 
and guide them by thy power in the way everlasting. 
Make them faithful to their duties, and zealous in every 
good word and work, so that when the solemn close of 
life comes, the soul of each may be stayed upon thee, 



358 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



in the hope of the gospel of redeeming love. And unto 
thee, our God and Father, be ascribed glory and do- 
minion and power, world without end. Amen. 
JR. So may it be. 

The brethren will then unite in singing the Dedication Ode No. 1, 
after which the Heralds will advance to the pedestal, and deposit 
their vases. 

First Herald. M. W. G. M., in obedience to your 
instructions, we have duly dedicated this Hall to the 
principles and work of Odd-Fellowship. 

6r. M. This Hall being duly dedicated, according to 
the solemn rites of our Order, the brethren will be 
attentive while our R. W. D. G. M. and G. W. make 
proclamation of the same. 

D. a. M. In the name of the R, W. Grand Lodge of 

the State of , and by direction of the 

M. W. G. M. of the same, I declare this Hall dedicated 
and set apart to the good purposes of Odd-Fellowship : 
to the dissemination of Friendship, Love, and Truth: 
to the cultivation of the principles of Benevolence 
and Charity : to the protection of the widow and the 
fatherless, and the relief of all worthy and distressed 
brethren ! 

R. So may it be. 

The G. W. will repeat the same from his station, after which the 
brethren will sing Ode No. 2. 

Ci. M. [First calling down the L.) My brethren, 1 
trust that the solemn ceremonies of this occasion may 
not be lost upon our hearts. In setting apart this Hall 
for its noble purposes, we have renewed our vows to 
practice conscientiously the lessons of our beloved Order. 
Let us never forget the imperative command of our 



DEDICATION OF AN ODD-FELLOWS HALL. 359 



laws, " to visit the sick, to relieve the distressed, to 
bury the dead, and to educate the orphan." Let us 
not forget, moreover, that beside these good works of 
charity, Odd-Fellowship has high and important lessons 
to. inculcate : lessons that, if attentively listened to and 
practiced by all, would elevate the character of man, 
and hasten the coming of the promised day of universal 

peace and love. Brethren of , we now again 

deliver into your hands this beautiful temple you have 
elevated to our Order. Joy be within its walls, and 
Peace a constant guest ! May these walls never echo 
with the sound of an angry or unkind word ! May all 
the influences that flow hence be good and for good, 
now and forever! Amen. 

R. So may it be. 

Gr. C. Now unto Him who is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before the presence 
of his glory with exceeding joy, I commend you and the 
whole family of man. And to Him, the only wise God, 
our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, 
now and forever. Amen. 

The L. will then be raised, and the Grand Lodge Officers will 
retire in due form, after which the L. will close. 



300 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



CHAPTER V. 

FORM OF DEDICATION OF AN ODD-FELLOWS' CEMETERY 
OR BURIAL-LOT.* 

The brethren having assembled in some appropriate place in the 
vicinity of the Cemetery, a precession will be formed in due order, 
and proceed to the place selected for the ceremony, passing around 
the ground three times, if the situation permits. The Officers 
will take their station upon a raised platform. 

Cr. M. It is not necessary that I should remind any 
good and faithful Odd-Fellow that the great primal 
command of our Order is fourfold, and includes four 
principal heads of duty. Equal in prominence and 
binding force to any of the others, is the solemn injunction 
to "bury the dead." In order to understand why the 
founders of our Brotherhood insisted so strongly upon 
this important duty, we must recur to the fact that it 
had its origin among a poor and oppressed population, 
where the hard struggle of a brave and virtuous life too 
often ended in an unpitied death and a pauper's grave. 
Therefore it was that when men first bound themselves 
together in mutual helpfulness, under the then singular 
name of Odd-Fellows, they entered into a solemn cove- 
nant to provide each member and his wife, at their 
death, with the means of decent Christian sepulture. 
To the praise of our Order, this duty has never been 

* This form is framed for the use of a Grand Lodge or its Officers. 
It may be used, however, by a D. D. G. M., or by the N. G. of a 
Lodge, when circumstances prevent the attendance of the Grand 
Officers. 



DEDICATION OF AN ODD-FELLOWS CEMETERY. 36 A 



neglected. Large sums are annually expended in its 
due performance. Not only has want been relieved, 
sickness alleviated, and the eyes of the dying closed in 
peace by friendly hands, but the care of the brethren 
has followed him to his place of sepulture, and a crowd 
of sympathizing friends has stood around the poor man's 
open grave. Not only has the sufferer, fallen faint by 
the wayside, been lifted up and ministered unto with 
kindliest offices, but men have often been made to 
wonder on seeing a band of mourning brethren follow 
to the tomb a stranger, unknown to any in their neigh- 
borhood except in the bonds of our mystic tie. This is 
as it should be, and as I trust it ever will be. The 
comparative easiness of condition of the brethren in our 
more favored land, does not lighten one jot the obliga- 
tion of this duty. In the great and just equality of our 
Order, the same provision is made for all, and to all 
must it be promptly and without stint extended. 

But the closeness with which we are drawn together 
in life in the bonds of our brotherhood, has created also 
a desire that there should be provided for our mortal 
remains a common resting-place, where we may lie 
down together to await the solemn summons of the 
Great Day, and where the poor and needy as well as the 
stranger may repose among brethren, and no longer be 
thrust out as unclean things. Apart from the con- 
sideration of economy in obtaining a cheap and beau- 
tiful place of burial, (while the great cost of interment, 
especially in cities and large towns, renders it otherwise 
an onerous tax upon the survivors,) there is a justness 
and propriety in this arrangement, which commends it 
to the heart of every sincere brother. Already, in 
contemplating our fraternity, men have been made to 
say, as they did of the early Christians, "Behold how 

31 



362 THE ODD-FELLOW'S MANUAL. 



these love one another !" Let them also be made to 
say as David did of Saul and Jonathan, « In life they 
were joined together, in death they are not divided !" 

And now, brethren, we are met to dedicate to its 
sacred uses this city of the dead, this " God's-acre," 
as our thoughtful ancestors fitly named it. Remember 
that this dedication is no unmeaning rite. It means 
that this ground is solemnly set apart, in covenant with 
God and man, to its holy purposes, never to be diverted 
to any other until the last trumpet shall sound and the 
dead shall arise incorruptible. To the attainment of 
which end let us now unite in supplicating the Divine 
blessing. 

6r. O. Be with us, God, in the solemn services of 
this day. Compose our thoughts into the solemn sober- 
ness that befits the occasion. Purify our hearts, elevate 
our desires, and make us fit for thy service. Bless, we 
beseech thee, the work in which we are engaged, and 
give us strength to keep in faithfulness forever the 
obligations we now assume. Amen. 

6r. M. The brethren will be attentive while our R. W. 
D. G. M. dedicates this ground, with solemn ceremonies, 
to the uses of our beloved Order. 

D. 6r. M. {Before whom there is placed a shovel or 
other implement, filled with fresh earth.) In the name 
of the R. W. Grand Lodge of the I. 0. of 0. F. of 

, and by authority of the M. W. G. M. of the 

same, I hereby solemnly dedicate and set apart this 
ground to the burial of all good Odd-Fellows, their 
families and friends, and to no other purpose whatever, 
while the world stands ; so that here their remains may 
rest in undisturbed security until the last great day, 
and that here we may come, amid the gentle stillness of 
nature, to mourn over the loved and lost whom we have 



DEDICATION OF AN ODD-FELLOWS CEMETERY. 363 



deposited in the silent tomb, (strewing the earth,) "earth 
to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust !" 

G. M. Yet not to sorrow as those that are without 
hope ! For we know that our Redeemer liveth, and 
that though worms destroy this body, yet in our flesh 
shall we see God. Let us feel, my brethren, that death 
is but the gate to a better life, and that over the resting- 
place of the departed dwells ever the bright halo of the 
hope of a glorious resurrection. Hence it is that we 
thus strew above the place of tombs and in the graves 
of our loved ones, these emblems of undying life, 
{strewing evergreens ;) for we know that they are but 
sleeping here until the voice of the Maker and Master 
of all shall call them to himself in the day that he 
makes up his jewels, and proclaims that time and its 
griefs shall be no more. 

The brethren will unite in singing Ode No. 4. 

G. C. Be with us, we beseech Thee, God, our Hea- 
venly Father, in the exercises of this solemn occasion. 
Fill our hearts with that deep faith in thy holy Word, 
which shall enable us to see, beyond the night of the 
grave, the portals of a diviner day. Strengthen the 
hands of those who have prepared this place of rest for 
the dead, and enable them to keep it sacred to that 
purpose and to thee. Let thy Spirit descend like dews 
of consolation upon the hearts of all who shall here 
resort as mourners, and make them to feel that this is 
indeed holy ground. Comfort the afflicted, bind up the 
broken hearts, lift up the bowed down, and give to the 
bruised souls the oil of joy for mourning, and the gar- 
ment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. From this 
place let the glad testimony rise, from many a bleeding 
heart, that thou art truly the widow's God, and the 



364 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Father of the fatherless. Help us, we beseech thee, to 
labor faithfully in the great work of Benevolence and 
Charity. Bless our beloved Order with an everlasting 
benediction, and make all its works to praise thee. 
And finally receive us to thyself in glory, so that unto 
thee we may ascribe glory and dominion, world without 
end. Amen. 

6r. M. The natural man instinctively shrinks from the 
contemplation of the silent tomb. It is to him a sight 
of fear and a source of terror. The warm life-blood at 
his heart is chilled by the very thought of its gloom. To 
such the habitation of the dead must be a repulsive place, 
fit only for sounds of wo. But to him to whom death has 
no longer a sting, and over whom the grave can have no 
victory ; to him whose fears are swallowed up and lost in 
the glorious assurance of a blessed resurrection and happy 
immortality, it presents a different aspect. No longer 
must its precincts be doleful with the wailings of sorrow, 
or its soil be abandoned to the thistle and -thorn. We 
plant flowers upon the graves of our loved ones ; we cast 
over them the cool shadow of pleasant trees ; we place 
them amid the gentle scenes of bounteous nature, and from 
them rise ever the voice of prayer and the song of grate- 
ful praise. We have learned to look upon the solemn 
end of all without terror, as we see one after another 
entering the dark valley, leaning, in unbroken confidence, 
on the precious promises of Him who cannot lie. There- 
fore it is that we rightly make our burial-place a beau- 
tiful and attractive spot. This you have already done, 
my brethren, and I commend you for it. Continue in 
the good work, maintain in ever-increasing beauty this 
consecrated place, and the hearts of generations yet un- 
born will bless you for the kindly labor. 

The audience will be dismissed with benediction by G. C. 



FUNERAL CEREMONY. 365 



CHAPTER VI. 

FUNERAL CEREMONY. 

1. The regalia directed to be worn at funerals con- 
sists of "a black crape rosette, having a centre of the 
color of the highest degree to which the wearer may 
have attained, to be worn on the left breast ; above it a 
sprig of evergreen, and below it (if the wearer be an 
elective or past officer) the jewel or jewels which as 
such he may be entitled to wear." 

2. The ordinary mourning-badge to be worn by bro- 
thers in memory of a deceased brother, is "a strip of 
black crape passed through one button-hole only of the 
left lapel of the coat, and tied with a- narrow ribbon of 
the color of the highest degree to which the wearer may 
have attained." 

3. " On arriving at the place of interment, the brothers 
shall open to the right and left, and allow the corpse, 
mourners, &c. to pass through, the brothers on either 
side standing uncovered, the hat held in the left hand 
of each, and joining hands with each other. And after 
the passing of the corpse, mourners, &c. between the 
two lines, the brothers shall re-form in procession after 
them in reversed order, and close the procession into 
and within the place of interment." 

4. '•'After the performance of such religious service as 
the friends of the deceased may cause to be there per- 
formed, and before the final closing of the grave, the 

brothers shall form silently, and as nearly as may be 

31* 



366 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



according to the order above set forth, uncovered, the 
hat in the left hand of each, and joining hands with 
each other, in one or more circles, as regular as the 
nature of the ground may admit, around the grave ; 
when the Chaplain, or in default of a Chaplain, the 
N". Gr. may address the brothers, and offer up a prayer, 
or may address the brothers without the offering of a 
prayer ; and after such address or prayer, or both, or 
if there be no address or prayer, then after a pause 
suited to the solemnity of the occasion, the N. Gr. shall 
advance singly to the head of the grave, and cast into 
it with the right hand the sprig of evergreen from his 
regalia, and shall return to his place; whereupon the 
brothers from left to right in regular succession, and in 
such numbers at a time as not to cause confusion, shall 
advance to the grave, shall cast into it (each with the 
right hand) the sprig of evergreen from their regalia, 
and shall return to their places. And after all have 
done this, and the grave shall have been filled up or 
closed, the brothers shall silently re-form into procession 
according to the order observed in coming to the place 
of interment, and shall return in such order to the 
Lodge-room, where the M. Gr. shall declare the funeral 
ceremonies to be closed." 

5. The following Address and Prayer are to be used, 
if any. It is optional with the Lodge whether to use 
them or not, but no others can lawfully be substituted. 

ADDKESS. 

We are assembled, my brethren, to render the last 
office which the living may minister to the dead. 

Man is born to die. The coffin, the grave, the se- 
pulchre, speak to us in language that cannot be misun- 
derstood, however unheeded it may be, of "man's latter 



FUNERAL CEREMONY. 367 



end." Youth in its harmlessness and comparative 
innocency, and manhood with its wonted vigor and pride 
of strength are not more exempt than decrepit and 
tottering age from the fixed law of being, which dedi- 
cates all that is mortal to decay and death. 

This truth is inscribed in the great volume of nature 
upon its every page. The beautiful and the sublime 
which the handiwork of the Creator displays on our 
every side, fearfully associate the unerring certainty of 
the end of all things with the vividness of the moral 
which they are ever suggesting to the contemplative mind. 

Day after day, we are called upon to follow our 
fellow-creatures to that bourne whence no traveller 
returns \ but from the house of mourning we go forth 
again to mingle in the crowded world, heedless perhaps 
of the precarious tenure of life and the certainty of that 
end to which all flesh is rapidly tending. He who gives 
the vigor of body, without warning paralyzes the stout 
heart, and strikes down the athletic frame : the living 
of to-day become the dead of the morrow. 

Men appear upon and disappear from the stage of 
life, as wave meets wave and parts upon the troubled 
waters. "In the midst of life we are in death." He 
whose lips now echo these tones of solemn warning, in 
turn will be stilled in the cold and cheerless house of 
the dead, and in the Providence of God none may 
escape. 

Let us then so far improve the lesson as to be pre- 
pared for that change which leads to life eternal. 

PRAYER. 

Our Father and our God, who art the Resurrection 
and the Life ; in whom whosoever bclieveth shall live 
though he die ; and whosoever liveth and believeth in 



368 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



thee shall not die — hear, we beseech thee, the voice of 
thy creatures here assembled, and turn not away from 
our supplications. 

We humbly beseech thee, so to imbue us with a con- 
viction of our entire helplessness and dependence upon 
thee, that we may be brought to meditate upon the un- 
certainty of life and the certainty of death. In the 
dispensation of thy Providence, thou hast summoned 
from among us our brother, and we, the surviving monu- 
ments of thy mercy, are gathered together to commit 
his remains to the earth. Give, God, we beseech 
thee, thy Holy Spirit to us, whom thou hast spared; 
increase our knowledge, and confirm our faith in thee, 
forever. 

[Bless and comfort, we pray thee, those whom it has 
pleased thee to add to the number of the disconsolate ; 
buoy them up under this heavy stroke, sustain them 
against despondency. Oh ! wilt thou be their Father 
and their God, and pour down from on high thy bless- 
ings upon their heads.] Bless, Heavenly Father, 
the brethren here assembled ; imbue them with the 
wisdom of thy laws, and draw them unto thee by the 
cords of thy inestimable love ; impress them with their 
duty to each other as brethren, and their obligations 
in the various relations of human life ; and finally s bless 
our beloved Order throughout the globe. Preserve its 
principles and its purposes from innovation ; sustain it 
from the shafts of enmity, protect it from self-immola- 
tion, and shield it from all evil, and unto thee we shall 
render the praise, forever. Amen. 

After the Address and Prayer, the Choir will sing Ode No. 3, 
(Air "Pleyel's Hymn,") after which the Sprig will be deposited. 



APPENDIX A. 



#nngB unit dDfo& 



No. I.— DEDICATION ODE. 

BY A. B. GROSH. 



CEPHAS. 




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370 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



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Until we reach Thy Tent, above. 

5. "In Thee we trust!" and thus to Thee 

We offer all— -for all is thine! — 
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On earth, in word and work divine. 
When brethren want, or death lays low — 

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When widows weep in cheerless wo — 

Oh, grant us "Friendship, Love, and Truth!" 



APPENDIX A. — SONGS AND ODES. 



37 i 



No. II.— CLOSING ODE AT DEDICATION. 

BY A. 

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372 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 




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APPENDIX A. — SONGS AND ODES. 



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374 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL 



No. III.— FUNERAL ODE. 

BY REV. BR. J. G. FORMAN. 

Brother, to thy grave we come 
At the beat of muffled drum; 
Hearts with silent grief opprest, 
Bear thee to thy home of rest. 

Voices from the sighing breeze, 

From the woods and leafy [leafless] trees, 

And the faded Autumn leaf,* 

Will remind us of our grief. 

Though in the Grand Lodge above, 
We remember thee in love ; 
Yet our Lodge has lost thee here — 
'Tis for this we shed the tear. 

In the earth we lay thee low, 
Yet upon thy grave shall grow 
Evergreens, like these we bring, 
As our last, sad offering. 



This line may be altered to suit the season, thus : — 

And the springing Vernal leaf 
Or, 

And the fading Summer leaf; 
Or, 

And the Winter-seared leaf. A B. Q, 



APPENDIX A. — SONGS AND ODES. 375 



No. IV.— ODE— DEDICATION OF A CEMETERY. 

Field of repose ! 'tis hallow' d ground, 

Where friends and brothers peaceful sleep ; 

For here shall Friendship, Love, and Truth 
Their never-ceasing vigil keep. 

Oh ! lost companions, on your urn 
Sad wreaths we bind, sacred to you : 

And while your hov'ring spirits bend, 
Our high resolves we here renew. 

What, though in grim array ye came, 
Nerveless and voiceless to our " Rest," 

Yet your freed spirits spurn the clod, 
Recall' d to regions of the blest. 

There in unbroken numbers met, 

We'll emulate celestial powers. 
Glad songs efface sad requiems 

When their rapt spirits shall be ours. 

They are not here — the rescued dead — 
Verdure and bloom spring from their dust* 

Then to thy wave, on life's broad sea, 
Return, my soul, with constant trust. 

No. V.— ODE AT LAYING A CORNER-STONE. 

Deep in the quarries of the stone, 

Amid vast heaps of other rock ; 
In darkness hid, to art unknown, 

We found this rude and shapeless block. 
Now shaped by art, its roughness gone, 

And fit this noble work to grace, 
We lay it here, a corner-stone, 

Chosen and sure, in proper place. 

Within this stone there lies conceal'd 

What future ages may disclose, 
The sacred truths, to us reveal' d 

By Him who fell by ruthless foes. 
On Him, this corner-stone we build, 

To Him, this edifice erect ; 
And still, until this work's fulfilled, 

May Heaven the workman's ways direct. 



376 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



No. VI.— SONG— THE RAINBOW. 

BY MRS. S. J. HALE. 

beautiful Rainbow, all woven with light, 
There's not in thy tissue one shadow of night ! 

It seems as heaven opened when thou dost appear, 
As if a light vision of angels drew near, 
And sung — " The Rainbow ! The Rainbow ! 
God's smile is here !" 

1 think, as I'm gazing thy colors to mark, 
How, over the mountain, where rested the Ark, 
Those saved from the deluge, with wond'ring eye, 
Beheld the first Rainbow burst over the sky — 

And sung — " The Rainbow," &c. 

And thousands of ages have flourish'd and fled, 
Since on the first Rainbow God's promise was read ; 
Man dies, and earth changes ; but still doth endure 
That signet of mercy, fresh, lovely, and pure. 
Then sing — " The Rainbow," &c. 



No. VII.— DISMISSION. 

[For the close of Social or Public Occasions.] 
BY A. B. GROSH.. 

" Depart in peace !" ye favor'd few, 

For night now calls us to repose : 
In pleasant dreams may you renew 

The joys that have our evening closed. 
May Friendship's visions round you press, 

And Love's, more tender, warm each heart, 
To make refreshing, sweet, your rest — 

"Depart in peace!" dear friends, depart! 

" Depart in peace !" for knowledge here 

Has shed abroad her radiant light, 
The heart to warm — the mind to cheer, 

Through slumbers of the peaceful night. 
And when to-morrow's sun shall rise, 

Oh, be that Truth to practice given, 
Till life shall end — then hear the voice, 

"Depart in peace, from earth to heaven!" 



APPENDIX A, — SONGS AND ODES. 377 



No. VIII.— FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND TRUTH. 

BY JAMES MONTGOMERY. 
£N B. — This is the earliest Odd-Fellow's Song known as such.] 

When Friendship, Love, and Truth abound, 

Among a band of brothers, 
The cup of joy goes gaily round, 

Each shares the bliss of others: 
Sweet roses grace the thorny way, 

Along this vale of sorrow ; 
The flowers that shed their leaves to-day 

Shall bloom again to-morrow. 

How grand in age, how fair in youth, 
Are holy Friendship, Love, and Truth ! 

On halcyon wings our moments pass, 

Life's cruel cares beguiling ; 
Old Time lays down his scythe and glass, 

In gay good-humor smiling ; 
With ermine beard and forelock gray, 

His reverend front adorning, 
He looks like Winter turned to May, 

Night softened into Morning. 
How grand in age, &c. 

From these delightful fountains flow 

Ambrosial rills of pleasure ; 
Can man desire, can Heaven bestow 

A more resplendent treasure ? 
Adorn'd with gems so richly bright, 

We'll form a Constellation, 
Where every Star with modest light 

Shall gild his proper station. 
How grand in age, &c. 

[N. B. — The above is arranged to music for voice and piano, and sold by J. C. Beckel, 
Hf 26 South Sixth street, Philadelphia.] 



32* 



APPENDIX B. 



BUSINESS FORMS. 

No. 1. — Application for Initiation and Membership in a Subordi- 
nate Lodge. 

[Keading, May 1st, 1849.] 
To the Officers and Members of [Salome] Lodge, No. [105] I. 0. 
0. F. of [Pa.] 
Gentlemen: — Having conceived a favorable opinion of Odd- 
Fellowship, and read a copy of your Constitution and By-Laws, 
I ask to be initiated into the Order, and become a member of 
your Lodge. 

My residence is in [South Fifth street,] my age is [thirty-one] 
years, and my occupation that of a [Carpenter.] If admitted, I 
promise obedience to the usages and laws of the Order and of the 
Lodge. 

The Proposition Fee accompanies this. 

Very respectfully yours, [Adam Smith.] 

Proposed and recommended by [Thomas Jones.] 

The Proposition Fee [$3.00] received, and the Proposition re- 
ferred to 



Brs. 



Attest : [Samuel Wake,] Secretary. 



John Jacobs,] 
¥m. Dake,] and 
Saml. Johnson.] 



No. 2. — Report on Application. 

To the N. G., V. G., Officers, and Members of [Salome] Lodge, 

No. [105,] L 0.0. F. of [Pa.] 

Your Committee to whom was referred the application ot 

[Adam Smith] for [state whether membership by card or initiation] 

respectfully report, that we have performed the duty assigned us, 



APPENDIX B. — BUSINESS FORMS. 370 



and find the candidate [worthy or unworthy] and recommend that 
he be [elected or rejected] accordingly. 

[If an applicant on Card, state the terms on which he is to be re- 
ceived, if worthy.] 

Kespectfully yours, in F., L., and T., 

[Signed by Committee.] 
[Date.] 

No. 3. — Certificate for Degrees. 

To [Berks County Degree Lodge, No. 8, I. 0. 0. F. of Pa., a* 
[Reading.] 

This certifies that [Adam Smith] a member in good standing 
in [Salome] Lodge, No. [105,] and properly qualified, having 
been duly balloted for, was, this evening, elected to receive the 
First and Second Degrees of the Order. You are therefore hereby 
requested and authorized to confer the same on him, he paying 
you the fees for so doing. 

Witness the seal of the Lodge this [7th] day of August, 1849. 

[Salome Lodge Seal.] [Samuel Wake,] Secretary. 

Fees received [50 cents,] and Certificate approved by [Degree 
Lodge, No. 8,] August 10th, 1849. [James Long,] Scribe. 

No. 4. — Certificate of Standing and Grade in a Subordinate 
Lodge.* 

To all whom it may concern, this certifies that [Adam Smith] 
is a member of the Fifth Degree, in good standing in [Salome] 
Lodge, No. [105,] I. 0. 0. F. of [Pa.] 

Witness the seal of our Lodge this [13th] day of [November, 
1849.] [John Brown,] N. G. 

[Seal of Salome Lodge.] 

Attest: [William Wake,] Secretary. 

No. 5. — Application to be admitted into an Encampment. 

[Reading, Nov. 14th, 1849.] 
To the C. P., H. P., Officers and Members of [Hebron] Encamp- 
ment, No. [8,] I. 0. 0. F. of [Pa.] 
Brethren : — Having read a copy of your Constitution and By- 
Laws, I now solicit initiation into the Patriarchal Order, and 
membership in your Encampment. The accompanying Certificate 
wili show my grade and standing in [Salome] Lodge. My resi- 
dence is in [South Fifth street,] my age is [thirty-one] years, and 
my occupation is that of a [Carpenter.] If admitted, I promise 



* To accompany No. 5, or for other purposes that are lawful and proper 



380 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



to obey the laws of the Order and of the Encampment. Enclosed 
I send the Proposition Fee. 

Very respectfully, your Bro. in F., L., and T., 

[Adam Smith." 
Proposed and recommended by [John Franks." 

Proposition Fee [S4.00] received, and the Proposition referred to 
Patriarchs [James Kichards,] 

James "Wilson,] and 
'Lett "Wood.] 
[Nov. 16th, 1849.] [John James,] Scribe. 

No. 6. — Application for Benefits in Sickness. 

[Lancaster, June 5th, 1850.] 
To the N. G., V. a., Officers and Brethren of [Salome] Lodge, 
No. [105,] I. 0. 0. F. of [Pa.] 
Brethren : — On the [10th] day of [May last,] (as formerly re- 
ported to you,) I was prostrated by a severe illness, and disabled 
from following my occupation until [Monday] last. I send the 
certificate of my physician, and the statement of the JST. G. of 
Monterey Lodge of this city. I therefore claim benefits for 
three weeks. If granted, please pay to my wife, whose receipt 
will be as my own. 

Fraternally yours, in F., L., and T., [Adam Smith.] 

Physician's Certificate. 

[Lancaster, June 4th, 1852.] 
(Addressed as above.) 

This certifies that I was called to visit Mr. [Adam Smith] pro- 
fessionally, on the [10th] day of [May last,] and found him 
prostrated by a [severe] attack of [bilious diarrhcea.] I have 
attended him from that to the present time, and know that he 
was unable to attend to his usual occupation before [yesterday.] 

[John Fitch,] M. D. 

N. Grand's Statement. 

(Dated and addressed as above.) 

Having visited Br. [Adam Smith] during his illness, [on the 
18th, and again on the 25th of May last,] and being personally 
acquainted with [Dr. Fitch] as a man of honor and veracity, I 
have no doubt the above statements are correct, and that Br. 
[Smith] is entitled to benefits for [three] weeks, so far as disa- 
bility to labor constitutes such claim. 

Fraternally, in F., L., and T., [James Logan,] N. G. 

[Seal of Monterey Lodge.] 

Attest : [R. "Weidman,] Secretary. 

N. B. — Application for benefits to an Encampment is in the same form, 
only changing address, &c. Of course, if the By-Laws of the body applied 
ro, requires other or different proof from that given in form above, or if the 
-rase itself requires other certificates, the applicant will make the requisite 
shanges. 



APPENDIX B. — BUSINESS FORMS. 381 



No. 7. — Application for Admission by Card. 

[Fort Plain, Nov. 10th, 1851.] 

To the N. G., V. G., Officers and Brethren of [Montgomery] Lodge, 

No. [164,] 1. 0. 0. F. of [Northern New York.] 

Brethren : — Herewith I present my Card of Withdrawal from 

[Salome] Lodge, No. [105,] I. 0. 0. F. of [Pa.,] and respectfully 

ask to be admitted a member of your Lodge by deposite of the 



Fraternally yours, in F., L., and T., [A. B. Grosh." 

Presented and recommended by [L. Fox." 

Referred to [3 brethren." 

[S. Keller,] Secretary pro tern. 

N. B. — The application for admission by deposite of Card or Initiation 
into an Encampment is the same, except the necessary change of address, 
and name of the body addressed. 

No. 8. — Dispensation to confer Degrees. 

I, Jonas Wright, D. D. G. Master for the District of Montgomery 
in the State of New York, do hereby authorize and empower 
Montgomery Lodge No. 164, of this jurisdiction, to confer the 
five degrees of the Order on Aaron Bell, a member of said Lodge, 
dispensing with any further time requisite to qualify him for re- 
ceiving the same, such being the request of said Lodge, which 
has paid for this dispensation. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my seal of office, this 
12th day of July, 1852. 

[L. S.] Jonas Wright. 

No. 9. — Petition for a Warrant of a Subordinate Lodge. 

To the Grand Sire, Officers, and Members of the Grand Lodge 
of the United States. 

The Petition of the undersigned, holding withdrawal Cards 
from Lodges legally recognized by your R. W. Body, respectfully 
represents, that it would be consistent with the advantage of the 
Order, to establish a Subordinate Lodge, to be located at 
in the State of 

Wherefore your Petitioners pray, that a Warrant may duly 
issue in pursuance of the Laws of your R. W. Body. 
Dated at this day of 

No. 10. — Petition for a Warrant of a Subordinate Encampment. 

To the Grand Sire, Officers, and Members of the Grand Lodge 
of the United States. 
The Petition of the undersigned Patriarchs, holding with- 
lrawal Cards, from legal Encampments, (or instructed in the 



382 THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



Encampment Degrees, under commission of the Grand Sire,) 
respectfully represents, that it would be consistent with the ad 
vantage of the Order, to establish a Subordinate Encampment, to 
be located at in the State of 

Wherefore, your Petitioners pray that a Warrant may duly 
issue in pursuance of the Laws of the R. W. Body. 
Dated at this day of 

No. 11. — Visiting Card. 
Friendship, Loye, and Truth. 
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. 
To all whom it may concern : 

This certifies, that whose name is written on 

the margin of this card, in his own proper handwriting, is a 
member in good standing of No. held at 

and working under a Charter duly granted by authority of the 
Right Worthy Grand of the State of 

We therefore recommend him to your Friendship and Protection, 
and admission into all regular of Odd-Fellows, for the 

space of from the date, and no longer. 

In witness whereof, we have subscribed our names and affixed 
the Seal of our this day of in 

the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
[seal.] 

No. 12. — Withdrawal Card. 
Friendship, Love, and Truth. 
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. 
To all whom it may concern : 

This certifies, that our well-beloved Brother 
whose signature, written by himself, is properly situated on the 
margin of this card, was regularly admitted a Member of our 
by on the day of 18 and 

has paid all demands against him up to this day, and is under 
no charge whatever. We therefore recommend him to youi 
Friendship and Protection, and admission into any regular 
of Odd -Fellows, to which he may apply within ono 
year from the date hereof. 

This Card is granted by No. which was duly 

instituted at on the day of 18 

by authority of the Right Worthy Grand of the State 

of 

In witness whereof, we subscribe hereto our hands, and affix 
the Seal of our this day of in the year 

:>f our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and 
[seal.] 



APPENDIX B. — BUSINESS FORMS. 383 



No. 13. — Form of Card presented to Wife or Widow of an Odd- 

Fellow. 

Friendship, Love, and Truth. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. 

To all to whom these presents shall come : — Greeting : 

This certifies, that whose name is endorsed on the 

margin of this Card, in her own proper handwriting, is the [wife] 
of our well beloved Brother who (is) a member of Lodge No. 
held at and working under authority of a Charter 

duly granted by authority of the Eight Worthy Grand Lodge of 
the We therefore recommend her to your Friendship 

and Protection wherever she may be, throughout the world, for 
the space of and no longer. 

In witness whereof, we have subscribed our names and affixed 
the Seal of our Lodge, this day of in the 

year 



Secretary. 



N.G. 
V.G. 



No. 14. — Certificate of Past Nolle Grand. 

To the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the State of [Pennsylvania,] 
I. 0. 0. F. 

Lodge, No. — . 

This is to Certify, that Bro. Past Grand is a 

member in good standing in this Lodge, that he has been duly 
elected to, and has served in the office of Noble Grand, for one 
Elective Term next ensuing his election ; discharging the duties 
of his office in a satisfactory manner ; that he has received the 
First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Degrees, and that he is 
entitled to membership in the Grand Lodge of [Pennsylvania:] 
we therefore respectfully request that he may be acknowledged 
accordingly. 

Witness our hands and the Seal of the Lodge, at 
in the State of [Pennsylvania,] this day of 

A. D. 18 
[seal.] 

N.G. 

Secretary. 

No. 15. — Representative's Certificate to Grand Lodge. 

To the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of [Pennsylvania,] I. 0. 
O.F.: 
Sir and Brother : — This is to Certify, that P. G. has 



384 



THE ODD-FELLOW S MANUAL. 



been duly elected the Representative of this Lodge, in your body, 
to serve until the [first] day of [July,] 18 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, and afiixed 
the Seal of Lodge, No. this day of 18 

[seal.] 

N.G 

Secretary. 

N. B. — The form is similar for a P. C. P. to the Grand Encampment 




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